Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Suriname Museum opening live on AT5 this afternoon
King Willem-Alexander will officially open the Suriname Museum in Amsterdam-Oost today as part of the celebrations marking 50 years of Surinamese independence. Accompanied by Mayor Femke Halsema, the ...
The multi-headed waste monster: why fines alone won't clean up the city
The City of Amsterdam has expanded its team of waste enforcement officers to 53 members to crack down on illegal trash dumping by searching for identifiable information on items left outside container...
Growing criticism of GVB, yet it is always granted the right to operate here: why?
Despite mounting criticism over service disruptions, safety incidents, and mismanagement, Amsterdam’s public transport provider GVB was recently granted a new 11-year exclusive operating contract. W...
More than 500 malfunctions: why the bicycle conveyor belt at Central Station keeps failing
The moving walkways at Amsterdam Central Station’s €91 million underground bicycle parking facility have recorded 506 malfunctions since opening in early 2023. These frequent disruptions are cause...
City cleaning to return to neighborhood-based approach soon, says alderman
Amsterdam's city cleaning and garbage collection services will return to neighborhood-based work schedules in 2024 to combat high sick leave and a loss of local expertise. Alderman Van Buren announced...
You can't peak too early in your career: 'As long as you have a goal'
Recent high-profile political successes, such as Rob Jetten's potential premiership in the Netherlands and Zohran Mamdani's mayoral win in New York, have raised questions about peaking too early in a ...
Nuisance from illegal street races in the port area: It's life-threatening
Illegal street racing and drifting in Amsterdam’s Westelijk Havengebied are causing significant safety concerns, noise, and litter for local businesses, some of which handle hazardous materials. Des...
NU+ | Emotion when voting: what you sacrifice by voting strategically
The article examines the practice of strategic voting, where individuals choose a candidate or party based on potential political outcomes rather than their primary personal preference. It explores co...
NU+ | Taking a 'ballot selfie'? What is and isn't allowed at the polling station
Ahead of the Dutch general elections this Wednesday, voters are being informed of the specific rules and regulations to follow at polling stations. These guidelines cover permissible actions such as t...
NU+ | The elections are around the corner: how do you decide who to vote for?
With the Dutch House of Representatives elections scheduled to take place in less than a week, voters are currently navigating a wide array of political positions and voting aids. This article explore...
NU+ | Voting in another municipality? You must arrange a voter pass now
Voters wishing to cast their ballot in a different municipality during the Dutch general elections must apply for a special voter pass now. Since standard polling cards only permit voting within one's...
More than 11,000 Amsterdammers without a permanent home, including 1,500 children
A comprehensive new census has identified 11,065 homeless people in the Amsterdam-Amstelland region, including 1,446 children. The data reveals that only 12% live on the street, while the majority are...
Mayor Halsema closed 431 buildings in five years: excessive measure or necessary for peace?
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema ordered the closure of 431 buildings between 2020 and July 2025 to restore public order following incidents involving drugs, weapons, or violence. While the measure is in...
From factory to porch #3: The explosion-free city
The third episode of the AT5 documentary series "Van fabriek tot portiek" explores potential solutions to the surge of explosive violence in Amsterdam, highlighting the recruitment of children as youn...
South Tyrol hotel owners fear empty rooms due to unusual tax
Starting in 2026, the Italian region of South Tyrol plans to introduce a tourist tax for dogs brought along by vacationers. Local hotel owners are expressing concern that the new fee will lead to vaca...
Domestic holidays to become much more expensive next year, Efteling also affected
Domestic holidays and overnight stays in the Netherlands will become significantly more expensive starting in January due to a substantial tax increase. This change affects various accommodations such...
Scientists doubt ICL measures against odor and hydrochloric acid
Scientists are questioning the effectiveness of measures proposed by the ICL fertilizer plant in Amsterdam to address persistent odors and illegal hydrochloric acid emissions that have impacted local ...
Sick leave, discontent, and high workload: how cleaning problems are making the city increasingly dirty
Amsterdam's waste management and street cleaning services are facing a major crisis characterized by high staff absenteeism, equipment failures, and an aging workforce, leading to a significant increa...
Transavia and easyJet fall short in assisting stranded travelers, Consumers' Association complains to inspectorate
The Dutch Consumers' Association has filed a complaint with the national aviation authority against airlines Transavia and easyJet. The organization alleges that both companies are failing to comply w...
Report: Hydrochloric acid emissions at ICL fertilizer plant again far exceed limits
A January measurement revealed that the ICL fertilizer factory in Amsterdam significantly exceeded legal limits for hydrochloric acid emissions, a finding the local environmental agency described as a...
Northerners have been complaining about ICL for years, here is why the issue remains unresolved
Residents of North Amsterdam have reported pungent odors and respiratory irritation caused by the ICL fertilizer factory for decades. While the issue remains unresolved despite years of complaints, th...
End of the stench in sight? ICL expects less odor nuisance within a year
The Amsterdam-based fertilizer factory ICL plans to install an activated carbon filter by the summer of 2026 to mitigate long-standing odor complaints from neighboring residents in Tuindorp Oostzaan a...
Conflicting interests and misunderstanding: how 9,600 homes near Damen shipyard were put on ice
The province of North Holland and the Dutch national government have halted Amsterdam's plans to build 9,600 homes near the Damen shipyard to preserve the site for the maritime manufacturing industry....
Young, lonely and depressed: how do vocational students become happy again?
Vocational (mbo) students in the Netherlands are facing disproportionately high levels of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts due to combined academic, financial, and personal pressures. Althou...
Council supports free public transport for asylum seekers who volunteer
The Amsterdam city council has approved a pilot program for 2026 that provides free public transport to asylum seekers who volunteer, aiming to remove financial barriers to social integration. The six...
Police shut down illegal rooftop party in Zeeburg
Police shut down an illegal party of approximately 40 people at a residence and communal rooftop terrace in Zeeburg, Amsterdam, following noise complaints around midnight. Both organizers and attendee...