After twenty years in Amsterdam politics, GroenLinks alderman Rutger Groot Wassink is stepping down, reflecting on his career and the rightward shift in Dutch politics. While he is leaving his current role, Groot Wassink does not rule out a future return to local government as a mayor.
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire for an additional 45 days following negotiations in Washington. The talks took place on Thursday and Friday with the United States acting as a mediator.
Sisters Emina and Jasmina Jagurdzija, who fled the war in the former Yugoslavia as young children, recall their time at the Ripperdakazerne in Haarlem. After losing their carefree youth to violence, the barracks served as a safe haven where they could feel like children again.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been granted permission by the Labour Party to run in a parliamentary by-election. This move is seen as a potential first step for Burnham, who is widely considered a possible future challenger or successor to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The author humorously describes his wife's disappointment upon receiving a gift, as she had likely hoped for a trendy, pastel-colored thermos flask. The anecdote touches on modern social trends and mentions the common sight of people carrying these items in the Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn.