The Amsterdam city council is debating a new coalition agreement that includes cutting 2,500 civil servant positions and significantly increasing tourist taxes. Other key measures involve canceling the planned erotic center in the Zuid district and dropping a proposed ban on foreign tourists in coffee shops. While property and waste taxes will only rise with inflation, parking permit fees are set to increase.
Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel has decided that pepperspray will remain a prohibited weapon, despite earlier considerations to legalize it for self-defense against sexual violence. The minister concluded that legalizing the spray would be too dangerous, as attackers could potentially seize it and use it against the victims themselves.
Police in Amsterdam used beanbag rounds to apprehend a confused man who had climbed onto a restaurant roof at Stationsplein near Central Station early Thursday morning. An arrest team safely removed the man using a fire ladder around 6:00 AM after cordoning off a section of the square for several hours.
Residents of the Kleverpark neighborhood in Haarlem are disputing Alderman Robbert Berkhout's claim that the local sewer system is not causing the area's rat infestation. Citing a recent research report, the residents argue that 79 urgent sewer measures are required, contradicting the city's reassuring conclusions.
Three minors were arrested on Tuesday in connection with several incidents in Hoofddorp, including two car fires and an explosion at a residence. The suspects are currently in custody as part of an ongoing police investigation into these criminal acts.
During a state visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Prime Minister Rob Jetten emphasized that the Netherlands and Germany will work together to lead the way toward a stronger and more decisive Europe. The statement was made during a government lunch held at Kasteel Duivenvoorde in Voorschoten.