rssMar 17, 2026, 17:00

Municipality aims to downsize civil service with new 'top structure'

Mayor Femke Halsema and Alderman Hester van Buren have announced a restructuring of Amsterdam's municipal organization from five to seven clusters to streamline decision-making. The plan aims to reduce the complexity of the city's 22,000-person civil service and address issues like 'administrative obesity' and high absenteeism. This reform is intended to make the administration more efficient and responsive to the city's modern urban challenges.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands

Read original ↗

Massive Attack responds to Singapore police action following pro-Palestinian slogans

The band Massive Attack has expressed disappointment and surprise after Singaporean authorities detained them and imposed an entry ban following pro-Palestinian statements made during a performance. The group criticized the local authorities' response to their remarks during the concert.

Pride church service still necessary: "I wore a bulletproof vest at my episcopal ordination"

The annual Pride church service was held at the Keizersgrachtkerk in Amsterdam, featuring guest speaker Bishop Gene Robinson. The event highlighted ongoing concerns regarding LGBTQ+ rights and safety, reflecting on Robinson's personal experiences with threats as a gay bishop and the broader challenges faced by the queer community today.

Racist banner in Belgium appears to reference Sophie Straat lyric

A racist banner appeared along a highway near Ghent, Belgium, referencing a recent statement made by Dutch artist Sophie Straat. The incident has caused public outcry due to the discriminatory message displayed on the sign.

Police investigate flyers with Amsterdam municipal logo warning of Israeli soldiers in the city

When Jesse Klaver starts acting spoiled as a teenager, his cousin puts him to work in the shop

Jesse Klaver, leader of the Dutch GreenLeft party, grew up with his grandparents and worked in his cousin's shop during his youth. Although influenced by his grandfather's ideals, he harbored childhood ambitions of becoming a millionaire.