haarlemsdagbladMar 1, 2026, 05:30

Beer in hand, Prince's flag over the shoulder: three nights among the anti-asylum center protesters of Defend Netherlands

The group Defend Netherlands has been organizing protests against the establishment of asylum seeker centers in various Dutch municipalities. A journalist attended three of these demonstrations to examine the participants' motivations, tactics, and the resulting concerns of local authorities. The report observes the characteristics and behaviors of those involved in these anti-immigration movements.

Politics Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Free public transport would cost hundreds of millions: "Furthermore, GVB cannot handle it"

Making public transport free in Amsterdam would cost an estimated 175 to 250 million euros annually, according to the city's executive board. The municipal government opposes the proposal from BIJ1 and the SP, citing budget constraints, potential capacity issues for the GVB, and concerns about decreased cycling and walking.

How abortion suddenly became a political flashpoint again: the American culture war is spreading to the Netherlands

The debate over abortion access has resurfaced as a significant political issue in the Netherlands due to a new pilot program in several hospitals. This controversy has intensified internal cabinet tensions and highlights the influence of American-style cultural debates on Dutch politics.

Journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was imprisoned in Russia, gives the Derk Sauer Lecture: watch the livestream here

Journalist Evan Gershkovich will deliver the first Derk Sauer Lecture at the debate center De Balie in Amsterdam to discuss press freedom and his time imprisoned in Russia. The annual event honors the late Derk Sauer, a prominent journalist and former mentor to Gershkovich.

Agreement between cabinet and opposition on new tax plan seems far off

The Dutch cabinet is working to secure sufficient opposition support for its tax plan, which faces a critical deadline for parliamentary approval by late November. Significant disagreements persist with both left-wing and right-wing opposition parties, complicating efforts to build a necessary majority in the Senate.

Riot police intervene in The Hague unrest, calm in Amsterdam

Police intervened in The Hague to manage confrontations between youth groups and soccer hooligans, resulting in four arrests for face-covering offenses. Meanwhile, Amsterdam remained peaceful despite similar security precautions taken by local business owners following concerns sparked by unrest in France.