rssFeb 15, 2026, 12:00

A coffee with Patrick van Bronswijk (The Voice of Amsterdam): I'm really not doing it for fun

Patrick van Bronswijk, the lead candidate for the new party "De Stem van Amsterdam," is running in the city's municipal elections to address urgent concerns regarding safety, waste management, and excessive bureaucracy. Despite having no prior political background, he aims to prioritize local traditions, housing for residents, and the democratic election of the mayor. Van Bronswijk emphasizes that his candidacy is a necessity to ensure citizens feel heard and to improve the overall quality of life in Amsterdam.

Politics Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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From broken frame to trust: how an e-bike saga ended well

Ron Poppen experienced a spontaneous frame break on his e-bike, later discovering a recall campaign he had not been notified about. He shared his story with the 'Klasse' column to describe how the situation was eventually resolved and his trust was restored.

After birth doulas, end-of-life and grief doulas emerge: Westerners are not raised with the principle that death is part of life

Following the popularity of birth doulas, a new wave of end-of-life and grief doulas is emerging to provide support during the dying process and bereavement. Three doulas explain their specialized roles in helping individuals and families navigate the final stages of life, addressing a cultural discomfort with death.

Ingeborg supports people in the final stages of life: 'Some reveal their deepest secrets. People who won’t get better have a lot to tell'

Ingeborg Robijn, a 49-year-old end-of-life doula based in Hilversum, provides support to individuals during their final phase of life. She transitioned from a career as a civil servant to help people navigate the dying process, which she views as a deeply authentic human experience.

Tinka parks in Hoofddorp, pays, and is shocked by the costs

A woman named Tinka received financial compensation after filing a formal complaint regarding unexpectedly high parking fees in Hoofddorp. Her experience highlights how a well-structured complaint can lead to a positive financial resolution for consumers.

After her father's death, Kim became a death doula: ‘In this controllable society, we avoid the subject of dying’

Kim Oostveen, an Amsterdam-based end-of-life doula, supports individuals across North Holland as they navigate the end of their lives. Inspired by her father's passing, she transitioned from healthcare management to helping clients address unresolved emotions and final messages.