adFeb 18, 2026, 12:00

War hero Tuinman was no ordinary state secretary: ‘They found that terrifying here’

Gijs Tuinman is stepping down as the Dutch State Secretary of Defense this Monday, marking the end of a tenure characterized by his transition from a decorated war hero to a political leader. Civil servants at the ministry reportedly found his unconventional and direct leadership style challenging to adapt to compared to traditional political norms.

Politics Netherlands

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

Cabinet and opposition head for a showdown: tax chaos looms

The Dutch government and the opposition are currently deadlocked over new tax regulations, creating a significant risk of chaos within the tax authorities. Both sides are refusing to compromise, waiting for the other to yield as the deadline approaches.

Stricter rules for holiday rentals to tackle nuisance in residential areas

New Dutch regulations taking effect November 1 require all vacation rental hosts to use a unique registration number and mandate that booking platforms share data with the government. This system is designed to help municipalities combat neighborhood nuisance and better monitor the impact of short-term rentals on the housing market.

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.