rssJun 24, 2026, 11:10

Criticism of chaotic district board appointments: "Gap between government and citizens couldn't be wider"

The process of appointing district administrators in Amsterdam is currently in turmoil following the sudden withdrawal of a key candidate and the rejection of others by local committees. Opposition parties have criticized the chaotic "musical chairs" approach, arguing it damages administrative continuity and further widens the gap between the government and residents.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands

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

Michel Peters, chair of queer police network Pink in Blue: ‘Amsterdam is no longer the tolerant city it once was. And I am naming the elephant in the room’

Michel Peters, chairman of the queer police network Roze in Blauw, warns that Amsterdam is becoming less tolerant toward the LGBTQ+ community due to increased violence and intimidation. He urges victims to report all incidents to the police to ensure accurate tracking of these hate-related crimes.

Live: Driehoek to hold press conference at 7 p.m. on the death of Hajar (29)

Amsterdam officials are holding a press conference to provide updates on the death of 29-year-old Hajar, whose body was found in a suitcase near the Amsteldijk. The woman had been missing since early October, with police previously reporting that she was last seen with a man near the RAI.

Support for chemsex issues collapses after closure of Stichting Mainline

The closure of Stichting Mainline has severely limited accessible support services for individuals in Amsterdam facing problems related to chemsex. Healthcare providers are now sounding the alarm, warning that the loss of this specialized care leaves a vulnerable group without adequate prevention and assistance.

Public Prosecution Service demands community service and prison sentence for Samer A. (37) for hitting spectators with a plank at UvA pro-Palestine protest

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence and community service for Samer A. after he assaulted two onlookers with a wooden plank during a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Amsterdam. The defendant claimed he acted in self-defense during the chaotic demonstration, but the Public Prosecution Service maintains the victims were non-involved spectators.

Minister now understands why Halsema did not intervene against Hamas banners: "No other option"

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema and Justice Minister David van Weel have reconciled after the Minister acknowledged that current laws prevented the Mayor from stopping pro-Hamas banners at an October 7 demonstration. Halsema noted that while the slogans were offensive, she acted within the boundaries of the law and called on the government to resolve long-standing legislative inaction regarding the glorification of terrorism.