Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.

War in Iran drives up prices and hits our economy harder than expected: We see a very bad scenario unfolding
The escalating conflict in Iran is significantly impacting the Dutch economy, leading to rising inflation and the threat of economic stagnation. Experts warn that the current situation could be more s...

Iran: Natanz nuclear facility attacked again
The Iranian nuclear facility Natanz was reportedly targeted by US and Israeli airstrikes, according to the state-run Tasnim news agency. Iranian authorities claim that no radioactive materials were re...

RCC: Anti-abortion group's Boomerang card violates advertising code
The Dutch Advertising Code Committee (RCC) has ruled that the anti-abortion organization Schreeuw om Leven used misleading advertising on promotional cards offering help to pregnant women. The committ...

Expensive fuel, so lower the excise duty? 'We really need to make people resilient'
Economists are advising against lowering gasoline excise duties despite rising prices, arguing that such broad tax cuts do not effectively target those most in need. Instead, experts suggest that poli...

US temporarily allows sale of Iranian oil in tankers at sea
The United States has temporarily authorized the sale of Iranian oil currently stored in tankers at sea to address rising global fuel prices. This decision marks a brief suspension of heavy sanctions ...

Hillegom alderman Jan van Rijn steps down after eight years: 'I'm going back to my comfort zone'
Jan van Rijn, an alderman in Hillegom, has announced his departure after eight years in office to start a new job in mid-April. While he enjoyed the role, he cited its demanding nature as the reason f...

Most of Chernihiv without power after Russian drone attack
A Russian drone attack has left the majority of Ukraine's Chernihiv region without electricity. Local officials report that repair crews are currently working to restore power following the strike.

Vast majority of readers want current playground at Hoeve Duin- en Kruidberg to stay: ‘Only place in the municipality where young children can play in nature’
A large majority of readers support the legalization and preservation of the playground at Hoeve Duin- en Kruidberg. According to a poll with 858 responses, the site is considered the only natural are...
Caught between Trump and Europe: The lonely position of NATO chief Mark Rutte
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is facing growing criticism in Europe due to his perceived unconditional support for Donald Trump. Critics express concern that Rutte's stance risks making Europe a p...

How GHB use has gripped a city for years: 'You can't let someone who screams all night sleep among 55 others'
The city of Leiden is implementing a new strategy to address long-standing GHB addiction issues among its homeless population, which have cost the municipality millions of euros. For years, users stru...

From 'Do we have money to spare?' to 'it brings cooling to the city': Haarlem deeply divided over restoring filled-in canals
A poll regarding the restoration of water to Haarlem's filled-in canals resulted in a nearly equal split among 1,135 respondents. The "disagree" camp won by a single vote, reflecting deep public divis...

It's raining free money in Groningen
Residents in the province of Groningen are filing mass claims for mining damage attributed to gas extraction despite national budget cuts to healthcare and pensions. Reports indicate that many of thes...

Municipality of Beverwijk pays council candidate Paul Klomp 9,500 euros per month for Ukrainian refugee shelter
The municipality of Beverwijk is paying entrepreneur and council candidate Paul Klomp 9,500 euros per month to rent a temporary shelter for Ukrainian refugees. Mayor Martijn Smit has stated that stric...

WSJ: Iran fired missiles toward base in Indian Ocean
Iran recently launched two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-British military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The incident was reported by The Wall Street Journal, which cited informati...

Iran discusses Strait of Hormuz access with Japan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is willing to allow Japanese vessels to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks were made during an interview with Japan's Kyodo news ag...
Ever committed, Ali Smith reflects on current events in this unvarnished war novel
Unique behind-the-scenes look: how the Netherlands is trying to get 'Bolle Jos' extradited
The Dutch government is actively working on a plan to extradite drug criminal ‘Bolle Jos’ Leijdekkers, who has been living in Sierra Leone under the protection of the president. A reconstruction r...

Number two on The Hague D66 list received more votes than lead candidate
In the municipal elections in The Hague, D66 candidate Marije Mostert received 9,904 votes, surpassing the party's lead candidate Yousef Assad, who received 8,082. This outcome was revealed in the pre...

Trump considers scaling down military operations in Iran
President Donald Trump is considering scaling back military operations against Iran, claiming that the conflict is nearly finished. The military actions, which began three weeks ago in coordination wi...

US judge blocks new Pentagon press policy
A U.S. judge has blocked a new Pentagon press policy that would have barred journalists from coverage for publishing "unapproved" information. The judge ruled that public access to information is more...

Activist and politician Saar Boerlage dies at 93
Saar Boerlage, a prominent Dutch activist and politician, has passed away at the age of 93. She was best known for successfully leading the campaign against hosting the Olympic Games in Amsterdam and ...

Activist and politician Saar Boerlage dies aged 93
Renowned activist and politician Saar Boerlage has passed away at the age of 93. She served as an Amsterdam city councilor for multiple parties and was a former national chair of the Pacifist Socialis...

Trump rules out ceasefire in Iran
US President Donald Trump has ruled out a ceasefire in Iran, stating that there is no reason to stop military actions while the United States and Israel are winning. Trump emphasized that the current ...

Karianne Kas (D66) receives most preference votes in Bloemendaal, Alderman Stam (VVD) popular in Heemstede, GL-PvdA Zandvoort number 2 outvotes lead candidate
Preference votes for Dutch municipal elections were announced on Friday, revealing significant shifts in candidate popularity in Bloemendaal, Heemstede, and Zandvoort. These results could lead to chan...

Halsema on attack on Jewish school: 'Has made people incredibly scared'
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema addressed a recent explosion at the Jewish primary school Cheider, describing it as an act of intimidation that has caused significant fear in the community. The incident...

Qatar expects gas production to restart only months after war
Qatar's energy minister stated that repairs to the country's largest gas field can only begin once the conflict with Iran concludes. The restoration process is expected to take several months before g...

Several controversial FvD members enter municipal councils
Several Forum for Democracy (FVD) candidates with ties to far-right organizations have been elected to Dutch city councils following recent electoral gains. Investigations by NRC and de Volkskrant hig...

Iranians gather for Persian New Year: "People who feel alone can join"
Iranians gathered at Museumplein in Amsterdam to celebrate the Persian New Year, Norooz, moving the traditional private celebration to a public setting for communal support. The event combined festive...
The festival of democracy?
The article discusses the societal pressure to view voting as a privilege and a civic duty during recent elections in the context of shifting global orders. It questions whether citizens are allowed t...

Jetten calls on De Vos to take a stand against FVD antisemitism
Prime Minister Rob Jetten has called on Forum for Democracy leader Lidewij de Vos to take action against antisemitism within her party. Jetten emphasized that all party leaders have a responsibility t...