Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
North Holland prioritizes health in provincial policy
The North Holland provincial council has approved a new policy framework that integrates public health considerations into all future provincial decision-making. The measure passed with a significant ...
Israeli parliament approves controversial death penalty law
The Israeli parliament has approved a controversial law allowing the death penalty for individuals convicted of murder with a terrorist motive. The punishment, to be carried out by hanging, has drawn ...
A head of lettuce and Che Guevara with a Nike logo: protest art by Mexican Americans
Dimitry van den Berg (50), designated D66 Heemstede alderman, is a father, artist, and politician in one: 'I am action-oriented, so great things will surely happen'
Dimitry van den Berg, a 50-year-old council member from Haarlem, has been nominated as the new candidate alderman for D66 in Heemstede. If coalition negotiations are successful, he will succeed Anneke...
Former Surinamese President Chan Santokhi dies at 67
Former Surinamese President Chan Santokhi has passed away at the age of 67 after reportedly falling ill on Monday afternoon. He was rushed to the hospital before his death was confirmed by news outlet...
First openly gay politician Coos Huijsen sees progress stalled
Coos Huijsen, the first openly gay politician in the Netherlands, reflects on the stalled state of LGBTQ+ emancipation fifty years after his own pioneering efforts. Alongside current MP Thom van Campe...
62 million euros for new GVB ferries: ‘Crowds are increasing, short-term investments needed’
Beverwijk informateur resigns after clash with FvD: 'I won't be pushed around by some Don Bijl,' says Forum leader Mark Nijman
Informateur Don Bijl has resigned from his role in Beverwijk following a dispute with the local Forum for Democracy (FvD) branch. The conflict occurred after the party insisted on having three represe...
Measures after Finance Ministry hack affect treasury banking
The Dutch Ministry of Finance has disabled several digital systems, including its treasury banking portal, following a cyberattack. This precautionary measure affects around 1,600 public institutions ...
Mexican immigrant dies in US ICE detention center
A 36-year-old Mexican immigrant died in an immigration detention center in Los Angeles after being found unconscious in his bed. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported the death on Monday, ...
Dissatisfaction with Pro Amsterdam’s choice for D66: ‘Not shamelessly left’
Another Iranian missile shot down over Turkey
NATO air defense intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace over the eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense reported the incident, marking another ...
Germany and Syria seek large-scale return of refugees
Germany and Syria have announced a joint initiative to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees over the coming years. The plan was presented by German Chancellor Friedrich Me...
Germany and Syria want large-scale return of refugees
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a plan for the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees over the coming years. The agreement was reached durin...
HBO students may soon be able to earn doctorates: ‘Important recognition for applied research’
Amsterdam set to continue with current coalition parties
Amsterdam is expected to continue its current governing coalition after the PRO party (GroenLinks-PvdA) expressed a preference for a renewed partnership with D66. Explorer Hendrik-Jan Biemond recommen...
Amsterdam set to continue with current coalition parties
The Amsterdam political alliance PRO, formed by GroenLinks and PvdA, has expressed a preference for continuing its current coalition with D66 following recent elections. Explorer Hendrik-Jan Biemond r...
Breda comes to COA's aid with temporary emergency shelter for 500 people
The city of Breda is opening a temporary emergency shelter for up to 500 asylum seekers at the Breepark event venue. This initiative is intended to assist the asylum seeker reception agency (COA) with...
Uitgeest formateurs aim to finalize cooperation agreement by April 16 at the latest
Formateurs Jan Schouten, René Oud, and Judie Kloosterman have begun drafting a cooperation agreement for the 2026-2030 governing period in Uitgeest. The team started their work last week and aims to ...
Kamil E. challenges risk status in court for family contact
Kamil E., a 40-year-old Polish national, has initiated a summary proceeding against the Dutch State to challenge his high-risk prisoner classification. He is seeking to remove this status to regain co...
German inflation at highest level since 2024 due to rising fuel prices
German inflation rose to 2.7 percent in March, reaching its highest level since 2024 according to preliminary data from the federal statistics office Destatis. The increase was primarily driven by hig...
Prison sentence and fine for captain of alleged shadow fleet tanker
A French court has sentenced Chinese captain Chen Zhangjie to one year in prison and a 150,000 euro fine for refusing to stop his oil tanker when ordered. The vessel is suspected of being part of the ...
Two Chinese container ships sail through Strait of Hormuz
Two Chinese container ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from the shipping monitor MarineTraffic. This passage is notable as Iran has restricted traffic and atta...
Trump threatens to destroy Kharg if no deal is reached soon
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran's Kharg Island unless the country's regime quickly reaches a deal with him. In a post on Truth Social, he also demanded the immediate reopeni...
Deaths in Israeli attacks on Gaza and West Bank
Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least three people, according to local authorities. Additionally, one person was killed by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank.
Dutch cabinet reverses UNRWA funding cuts this year
The Dutch cabinet has restored the 19 million euro subsidy for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) effective this year. Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma announced the reversal of previously planne...
Fewer new mini-cars in the city after city-wide parking permit scrapped
The number of new mini-cars in Amsterdam has significantly decreased following the removal of city-wide parking permits for these vehicles in September. Data shows monthly registrations dropped from o...
Zelensky proposes Easter truce for energy infrastructure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his country is open to an Easter ceasefire. He also noted that allies have requested Ukraine to stop attacking the Russian oil sector to avoid furthe...
Netherlands also asks Israel not to expand death penalty
The Netherlands has joined Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom in calling on Israel not to expand the use of the death penalty. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen announced the country's suppor...
Elected district council member not allowed to take seat on behalf of Leefbaar
Patricia Reichman, an elected district council member for Leefbaar Rotterdam in the Blijdorp-Bergpolder-Liskwartier area, will not be allowed to represent the party in her seat. The party spokesperson...