Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Controversial plan proceeds: free abortion care for millions of women in Europe
The European Commission will provide funding to support women from EU countries where abortion is illegal by subsidizing care in other member states. Countries like the Netherlands will be able to acc...
UN World Food Programme chief McCain resigns
Cindy McCain, the 71-year-old director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), has announced her resignation due to health concerns. She stated that she can no longer properly fulfill the demanding role...
Started with three aldermen and finished together: Jan, René and Judie hope this course continues
Aldermen Jan Schouten, René Oud, and Judie Kloosterman are concluding their terms in Uitgeest as upcoming elections approach. The trio expressed hope that their current policy direction will be maint...
Security for Lale Gül will not be discontinued after objection after all
The security protection for writer Lale Gül will continue after her lawyer successfully challenged a previous decision by the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) to end it. ...
Orbán says in letter he won't lift blockade on Kyiv loan
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has indicated in a letter to EU Council President António Costa that he will not lift his blockade on a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine. The refusal remains fir...
Geuzenbond member sentenced to two years for illegal weapons possession
A 25-year-old leading member of the far-right group Geuzenbond, Thomas D., was sentenced by a Rotterdam court to two years in prison for illegal weapon possession. One year of the sentence is suspende...
Heat pumps mandatory again? Seeing is believing, say manufacturers
The Dutch government proposes making hybrid heat pumps mandatory starting in 2029 as part of its climate strategy. Heat pump manufacturers remain skeptical, citing previous financial losses and high i...
Zandvoort theater renovation spirals out of control: €600,000 extra costs and noise problems
Theater De Krocht in Zandvoort reopened in mid-February following a major renovation that exceeded its budget by 600,000 euros. The local municipality has also expressed concerns regarding the buildin...
Prime Minister sets March 24 for Danish parliamentary elections
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced that Denmark will hold parliamentary elections on March 24. She confirmed that she has formally requested the King to set the date for the national vote.
Jetten sees little room to phase out mortgage interest deduction
Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated during a debate on the government's policy statement that there is little chance of further phasing out the mortgage interest deduction. He noted that while the topic ...
Norwegian WEF chief Brende resigns after investigation into Epstein ties
Former Norwegian minister Børge Brende is stepping down from his position as a top executive at the World Economic Forum. The resignation follows an internal investigation into Brende's past contacts...
A coffee with Wessel Meijer (Party for Affordable Living): Self-reliance is the greatest gift
Wessel Meijer, leader of the Party for Affordable Living, outlined his party's platform for the Amsterdam municipal elections, which includes abolishing district committees and promoting self-sufficie...
Bar association opposes ban on face coverings at demonstrations
The Dutch Bar Association (NOvA) has expressed opposition to a proposed general ban on face-covering clothing during demonstrations. The organization argues that such a measure would restrict the fund...
Iran-US negotiations resume in Geneva
The United States and Iran have resumed a third round of negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program in Geneva. The talks are being facilitated by mediators from Oman, as the two nations have not h...
Brussels confirms Orbán letter to President Costa
European Council President António Costa has received a letter from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a spokesperson confirmed. The contents of the letter have not been disclosed, and it remain...
X skips social media hearing, Dutch Parliament disappointed
Social media platform X has declined an invitation to meet with the Dutch House of Representatives for a discussion on social media. Members of Parliament representing a large majority expressed their...
Tackling social housing tenants who own property 'complex', priority on those with two homes
Housing associations are prioritizing enforcement against social housing tenants who own multiple properties, particularly those using them for profit. Amsterdam Alderman Zita Pels noted that while ow...
Tackling social tenants who own a home 'complex', priority given to those with two homes
Housing corporations in Amsterdam are prioritizing enforcement against social housing tenants who own multiple properties, following the eviction of a tenant who was renting out two owned homes. Housi...
Parties accuse Jetten of 'false start' in cooperation with Parliament
Several political parties have criticized Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten for a "false start" in his cooperation with the House of Representatives due to his rigid stance on pension plans. Critics arg...
Mona Keijzer reacts to 'mudslinging' after BBB row: 'It's all not very pretty'
Mona Keijzer has denied allegations made by BBB floor leader Henk Vermeer regarding her departure from the party, labeling the claims as untruths. The former vice-prime minister expressed regret over ...
Jetten acknowledges need for movement on coalition state pension plans
Prime Minister Rob Jetten has acknowledged that the Dutch government needs to make a concession regarding its state pension plans to restore relations with labor unions. Unions FNV, CNV, and VCP have ...
Poland: Defense costs pale in comparison to trillions after Russian attack
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski warned that the cost of defending NATO's eastern flank against a Russian attack would reach hundreds of billions of euros. He emphasized that these potential cos...
Paul Meijer of BVNL files police report against PvdA’s Kim Denie over ‘theft from municipal coffers’ claim
BVNL council member Paul Meijer has filed a legal complaint against PvdA's Kim Denie over social media comments regarding a court-ordered €40,000 repayment to his former party. While Meijer claims t...
Haarlem heads to the polls! Take the voting aid for the municipal elections here
Residents of Haarlem will go to the polls on Wednesday, March 18, to elect a new city council. A StemWijzer voting aid is available to help voters determine which political party aligns with their vie...
Unions suspend talks with government until pension plan is off the table
Dutch trade unions FNV, CNV, and VHP have suspended negotiations with the new cabinet until plans to accelerate the increase of the state pension age are withdrawn. The unions stated that merely softe...
Klaver attacks Jetten over NATO tax: ‘Make companies pay more’
Opposition leader Jesse Klaver criticized Prime Minister Rob Jetten during a debate regarding corporate taxes and the proposed increase in the retirement age. Despite criticism from unions and the opp...
Wilders withdraws confidence in ‘Thieving Cabinet’, Jetten counters: ‘Trust is not easily earned back’
Prime Minister Rob Jetten is defending his government's policy statement during a parliamentary debate where opposition leader Geert Wilders has already expressed a lack of confidence. Jetten faces th...
Moerdijk residents launch fund and fundraiser over uncertain future
The Moerdijk Residents' Collective has established a legal protection fund to raise money for legal defense and expert advice. This move comes as the village faces possible displacement due to the pla...
Anger over employers tampering with ‘too expensive’ schemes for older workers: ‘The timing is bizarre’
Dutch employers' association AWVN is proposing changes to regulations for older workers to reduce costs and keep them employed longer. The FNV labor union has strongly criticized the proposal, calling...
Hungary accuses Ukraine of anti-Hungarian policies
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of anti-Hungarian policies in an open letter. Orbán called for Zelensky to change this approach and demanded ...