paroolNov 7, 2026, 13:07

Alderman Scholtes on leasehold system risks: ‘The officials involved should have informed me immediately’

Amsterdam Alderman Alexander Scholtes has been forced to implement emergency measures after discovering that a critical municipal IT system for ground leases is severely outdated. The official expressed frustration that civil servants failed to alert him earlier to the risks caused by a long-term lack of maintenance.

Politics Amsterdam

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

Port of Amsterdam applies for permits for eight wind turbines

The Port of Amsterdam has applied for permits to install eight 200-meter-tall wind turbines in the Western Port area to increase regional renewable energy production. The Province of North Holland will now review the applications, though approval is not guaranteed given recent regional political conflicts over wind energy projects.

Mayor Halsema will not grant firework exemptions in the future either

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has announced that the city will not issue exemptions for firework displays by associations, citing enforcement difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, the municipality encourages citizens to attend official, organized shows rather than using fireworks themselves.

More surveillance after incidents, but is it effective or just for show?

Amsterdam is using temporary camera surveillance with increasing frequency to combat a wave of explosions and violent incidents in the city. While the municipality argues the measure helps deter crime and reassures residents, experts and privacy advocates debate its true effectiveness and impact on public privacy.

Documentary maker Mijke de Jong followed Femke Halsema for a year as mayor: I was not out to catch her out

Documentary filmmaker Mijke de Jong spent a year following Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema for her project titled De burgemeester. The documentary explores the daily responsibilities and public scrutiny faced by the mayor, addressing themes like accessibility and media criticism.

Red Line demonstration in Amsterdam: ‘Israel is not a normal country and does not do normal things’

Human rights organizations held their fourth demonstration in Amsterdam to urge the Netherlands to take a stronger stance against the violence in Gaza. Activists from groups like The Rights Forum criticized Israel's actions, calling for urgent government intervention in the conflict.