Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Figures on violence against enforcement officers were incorrect, baton trial had flawed basis
The Amsterdam municipality has admitted that data regarding violence against city wardens was significantly overestimated due to a reporting error that misclassified non-applicable incidents as physic...
Twelve ministers opt for oath and twelve for affirmation at Jetten cabinet swearing-in; protest at official photo op
Twelve members of the new Jetten cabinet chose to take a religious oath, while the other twelve opted for a secular promise during their official swearing-in ceremony. The ceremony took place in the p...
Steven Jonker (D66) calls for attention to middle-income Haarlem residents: ‘But we don’t want a lurch to the right’
Steven Jonker, the D66 lead candidate for Haarlem, is campaigning for the upcoming local elections with a focus on supporting middle-income residents. He aims to improve city governance while maintain...
XR protest at Huis ten Bosch gates during cabinet swearing-in
On Monday, dozens of Extinction Rebellion climate activists protested outside Huis ten Bosch palace in The Hague during the swearing-in of the new Dutch cabinet. The demonstrators sat at the palace ga...
Penalty payments for overcrowded Ter Apel rise to over 4 million euros
The registration center in Ter Apel exceeded its capacity limit again over the weekend, housing more asylum seekers than permitted. As a result, the total fine incurred by the Dutch reception organiza...
All ministers and state secretaries of the Jetten cabinet sworn in
All members of the new cabinet led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten, consisting of eighteen ministers and ten state secretaries, have been officially sworn in by King Willem-Alexander. While returning min...
Belgian ambassador to the US lashes out at minister
US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White criticized Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke in a social media post that has since been deleted. The conflict arose after Vandenbroucke supported party le...
King and Jetten sign resignation of Schoof cabinet
King Willem-Alexander signed royal decrees on Monday to officially grant dismissal to the members of the Schoof cabinet. Prime Minister Rob Jetten also signed the documents to confirm ministerial resp...
Live import tariffs | Investors uncertain over Trump response
This live blog provides updates on the developments regarding American import duties and the resulting uncertainty among investors following reactions from Donald Trump. It aims to track the ongoing i...
Wormerland considers merger with Purmerend or Zaanstad
The Wormerland executive board has advised the municipal council to consider a merger with either Purmerend or Zaanstad. This recommendation is driven by the financial vulnerability the municipality f...
Haarlem takes steps towards natural gas-free living
Haarlem has established the Heat Program 2026–2030 as part of its phased plan to transition to natural gas-free living. Preparations in the first designated neighborhoods are scheduled to begin duri...
Jetten arrives at Huis ten Bosch Palace for swearing-in
Rob Jetten has arrived at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague to be officially sworn in as the first D66 Prime Minister by King Willem-Alexander. He is accompanied by the members of his new cabinet, wh...
First train enforcement officers train with batons: 'Someone threatened to pull a knife and stab me'
Dutch railway enforcement officers have begun training with batons as part of a pilot program to address rising aggression against train staff. The initiative follows reports that NS employees face vi...
Kallas expects no agreement on new sanctions package against Russia
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas does not expect an agreement on the 20th sanctions package against Russia during Monday's meeting of foreign ministers. The deadlock is caused by Hungary's continue...
US stops collecting unlawful import tariffs introduced by Trump
The United States has officially ceased the collection of import tariffs that were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court, effective Tuesday. However, existing tariffs on foreign steel, aluminum, and auto...
Jetten Cabinet takes office today: new team sworn in, Schoof departs
The Jetten cabinet officially takes office today in the Netherlands, 117 days after the national elections. The new ministers are being sworn in this morning, followed by the traditional group photogr...
Extra election mail helps PostNL through the year
PostNL reported a temporary return to profitability due to an increase in business mail volume related to recent elections and pension updates. Despite this short-term financial boost, the company war...
Multiple killed in drone attacks in Ukraine
Recent Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine have resulted in at least three deaths, including two victims in the Odesa region and one in Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, a rocket struck a resid...
Housing construction at Blekersveld: enough to drive you crazy. Why can’t Bloemendaal politicians make a decision?
Politicians in Bloemendaal are struggling to finalize housing construction plans for the Blekersveld area near the Westelijke Randweg. The frequent changes to the project's design have caused frustrat...
NS baton trial in Rotterdam, The Hague, Zwolle and Den Bosch
Dutch Railways (NS) will begin a one-year trial at the end of April, equipping up to 75 safety officers with short batons. The pilot program will involve personnel stationed in Rotterdam, The Hague, Z...
Benzene remediation along Broekpolder to begin July 1. Further investigation around Aagtenpark still needed
The remediation of benzene-contaminated groundwater in the Broekpolder district is scheduled to begin on July 1. The permit application for the project remains available for public inspection until Ma...
Municipal elections on March 18: what the Party for the Animals wants in Haarlem
Haarlem residents will vote in the municipal elections on March 18 to elect a new city council. This report highlights the specific plans and political platform of the Party for the Animals.
Plans for one-way traffic on Utrechtsestraat, but not everyone is convinced
The Amsterdam municipality is considering making the Utrechtsestraat a one-way street to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. While some residents support the initiative, the local neighborho...
Toos & Henk - February 23
Cartoonist Paul Kusters illustrates his unique perspective on current affairs in the daily comic strip 'Toos & Henk.' The series is published every day from Monday to Saturday.
Few Zandvoort residents enthusiastic about housing at the circuit: 'I even named my dog after a driver'
Residents of Zandvoort are expressing significant opposition to proposals for building housing on the local racing circuit. Many locals consider the sound of race cars to be an essential part of the s...
Neighborhood council dissatisfied with Zee- and Duinwijk improvement plan, alderman disputes criticism
The Zee- en Duinwijk neighborhood platform has expressed dissatisfaction with a proposed improvement plan, stating that the measures lack concreteness and community involvement. In a letter to the mun...
From oath to first cabinet meeting: the Jetten cabinet's first day minute by minute
The Jetten cabinet is officially beginning its term 118 days after the general election, starting with a swearing-in ceremony at Paleis Huis ten Bosch. The day's schedule includes the official group p...
South Korea angry over Russian embassy banner in Seoul
South Korea has filed a formal protest against Russia over a banner displayed at the Russian embassy in Seoul stating, "Victory will be ours." The banner was reportedly hung to commemorate the anniver...
Number of Ukrainian refugees in Haarlem nearly doubles in almost three and a half years
The municipality of Haarlem currently provides shelter to 1,396 Ukrainian refugees as the conflict continues following the Russian invasion. This figure represents a significant increase, with the num...
Schools in Mexico closed amid unrest after cartel leader's death
Schools across six Mexican states will remain closed on Monday following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. Gangs have caused significant unrest by blocking roa...