rssMar 26, 2026, 19:00

No local 'opposition party' in the council: 'Today's protest party is right-wing populist'

Amsterdam currently lacks a distinct local protest party in its city council, a significant shift from the influential activist movements of the 1960s and 70s. Historian Bas Kok suggests this is because modern protest movements are often right-wing populist, which lacks resonance in the city's predominantly left-leaning demographic. Consequently, the activist voice has been largely integrated into established parties within the current political landscape.

Politics Culture Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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Maaike van der Plas is deathly afraid of spiders, but as a neurologist she has a cabinet full of them

Neurologist Maaike van der Plas recounts starting her first professional role in October 2025, where she prioritized workplace integration by forgoing initial vacation time. Despite her severe fear of spiders, her medical work involves keeping a cabinet full of them.

Rare first edition of Anne Frank's diary found in thrift store

A rare 1947 first edition of Anne Frank's diary, Het Achterhuis, was recently discovered in a thrift store in Eemnes. Well-preserved copies of this initial printing are highly valuable and can be worth thousands of euros.

Cabinet reverses income support cuts for the poor again

The Dutch government has reversed a planned €30 million cut to income support following a request from the House of Representatives. Political parties argued that municipalities must continue actively reaching out to citizens eligible for welfare benefits who are not yet utilizing them.

The horses of friends Julia (17) and Reza (20) have known each other longer than they have: ‘When you're on a horse, you have different conversations’

Julia Landzaat and Reza van Osnabrugge, two young friends from Heemstede and Hoofddorp, discuss how their shared passion for horse riding has strengthened their bond. They reflect on the fact that their horses have known each other longer than they have, noting that riding together allows for unique and meaningful conversations.

FNV Tata votes on new collective labor agreement: 'Green with a red border around it'

FNV union members at Tata Steel have voted in favor of a new collective labor agreement during meetings held on Thursday morning. Despite the majority approval of the proposal, many employees expressed significant dissatisfaction and ongoing tensions with the company's management.