haarlemsdagbladMar 5, 2026, 09:54

More neighborhood enforcement officers, less for low-income: Haarlemmermeer VVD expects to be the largest party again

The VVD party in Haarlemmermeer aims to remain the municipality's largest political group, emphasizing a platform focused on extensive housing construction and increased neighborhood enforcement. The party's election program also suggests potential budget cuts for low-income support while reviewing its performance in the local government over the last four years.

Politics Netherlands

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

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.

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.