haarlemsdagbladMar 16, 2026, 13:53

Extinction Rebellion activist Jiska Bours the face of GroenLinks-PvdA Castricum: ‘I’m actually too well-behaved for the council’

Jiska Bours, an activist known for her involvement with Extinction Rebellion, has been named the lead candidate for the GroenLinks-PvdA party in Castricum. Transitioning from street protests on the A12 highway to local politics, Bours states that she finds political debating more exciting than her previous activism.

Politics Netherlands

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

Ukrainian President Zelensky visits King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Jetten

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting the Netherlands to meet with Prime Minister Rob Jetten and King Willem-Alexander. The visit takes place as European leaders discuss their role in upcoming negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Maximum of eighty local broadcasters from 2028 after Senate support

The Dutch Senate has approved new legislation that will cap the number of local broadcasters at eighty by 2028 to enhance journalistic quality and financial stability. Funding will shift from local municipalities to the national government, with the total budget increasing from 13 million to 31 million euros.

Dutch companies must help Ukraine through the winter: millions in extra government subsidies

The Dutch government is providing 191 million euros in subsidies to help Dutch companies support Ukraine's energy infrastructure and facilitate business reconstruction. Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma announced the funding during a visit to Kyiv, highlighting that Dutch businesses will be incentivized to assist with essential repairs and long-term recovery projects.

No deal in sight with opposition: 'Fear that we will end up in the gravel pit'

The Dutch minority cabinet is struggling to reach an agreement with opposition parties to secure a majority for its tax plan and budget. Key issues include demands for major changes to nitrogen policy and asylum regulations, with political leaders warning that failure to reach a deal could lead to a legislative stalemate.

Vocational workers feel left behind: 'Living in a different reality'

Research from the SCP reveals that many practically educated Dutch citizens feel socially and politically disadvantaged compared to university graduates. This group, often feeling disconnected from policymakers, advocates for better representation and recognition to address growing frustrations over economic and cultural issues.