paroolFeb 20, 2026, 14:00

CDA leader Rogier Havelaar: ‘This city government polarizes: anyone who thinks differently is sidelined’

Rogier Havelaar, the CDA party leader in Amsterdam, has criticized the current city administration for polarizing the community and dismissing dissenting opinions from entrepreneurs and the national government. Havelaar advocates for a pragmatic approach focused on community spirit, proposing to replace strict tourist caps with targeted livability measures and allowing religious attire for city enforcement officers. He aims to increase his party’s presence in the city council to shift away from what he describes as moralistic and ineffective governance.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands

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Amanda's son received a threatening letter after hanging a pride flag. The neighborhood rallied in support: 'We want to let our neighbor know he is welcome here'

After an eleven-year-old boy in Haarlem hung a Pride flag to celebrate Pride Month, his family received an anonymous threatening letter demanding its removal. The local community in the Indische Buurt neighborhood responded with a mass show of support to ensure the boy felt welcome.

SWAT team raids home in Vogelbuurt, kidnapping suspect arrested

A police arrest team raided a home in Amsterdam's Vogelbuurt neighborhood to apprehend a suspect involved in the kidnapping and assault of a Spanish man in February 2026. Two additional suspects were also arrested and a firearm was seized as part of the investigation into the drug-related abduction. The victim had been held captive in Rotterdam and Utrecht for several days before managing to escape.

Motorcyclist injured in single-vehicle accident on N232 near Lijnden

A motorcyclist was injured in a single-vehicle accident on the N232 (Schipholweg) near Lijnden on Tuesday evening. The driver was transported for medical treatment following the incident.

Dutch World Cup matches to be shown in Haarlem pubs even after group stage

Mayor Jos Wienen has announced that Haarlem cafes will be allowed to broadcast the Dutch national team's World Cup matches, including those scheduled on non-regular nightlife evenings if the team advances past the group stage. This decision ensures fans can continue to watch Oranje in local bars throughout the tournament.

Stories come to life in inflatable cinema at OBS de Sterrenkijker: ‘A new experience, because it was in a bouncy castle’

Students at OBS de Sterrenkijker in Beverwijk experienced an interactive cinema housed within a unique inflatable structure resembling a bouncy castle. The project aims to bring stories to life for the children through an immersive and novel experience.