Tim Falls for New Dutch PM? (w/ Stan Veuger)

Nov 8, 2025 | Tim Miller brings on Dutch economist Stan Veuger for some good news. The Netherlands just elected a young, upbeat, openly gay prime minister who’s talking optimism, growth, and even building new cities, and somehow, it’s working.

Liberal-progressive Party D66 Wins Election, Dutch Media Report

THE GUARDIAN: Party will take lead in first round of talks to form coalition government after securing most votes

The Dutch liberal-progressive party D66 won the most votes in Wednesday’s general election, the news agency ANP has reported, putting its 38-year-old leader, Rob Jetten, on course to become the youngest prime minister in the Netherlands.

While the last few thousand votes are still being counted, Dutch media reported on Friday that Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration, anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV) could no longer win.

D66 is now expected to take the lead in a first round of talks to form a coalition government, a process that usually takes months. » | Senay Boztas in Amsterdam | Friday, October 31, 2025

Geert Wilders Faces Shutout as Centrists Hail Huge Gains in Knife-edge Dutch Election

THE GUARDIAN: Far right neck and neck with liberal D66 but all major mainstream parties have ruled out working with anti-Islam firebrand

Geert Wilders is almost certain to be shut out of the next Dutch government after a knife-edge general election in which support for his far-right Freedom party (PVV) slumped and the liberal-progressive D66 party made spectacular gains.

With 99.7% of ballots counted, the two parties were neck and neck on a projected 26 seats each in the 150-seat parliament, with D66 an estimated 15,000 votes ahead after the capital, Amsterdam, declared preliminary results on Thursday.

“It’s incredibly tense,” D66’s 38-year-old leader, Rob Jetten, who is in pole position to become prime minister, told reporters. “We have to wait for the next few hours – or more like days – for the final results.” But, he added, he was “very confident” of being able to form a new coalition government. » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Thursday, October 30, 2025

PROFILE: Rob Jetten »

Centre-left Party Leads Far-right in Netherlands Election Exit Poll

Oct 30, 2025 | Exit polls in the Dutch general election show the result is too close to call.

The pro-European, centrist D66 party and the far-right Freedom party are neck and neck with more than 90 percent of the votes counted. They need 76 seats to form a government, and neither is close to that number.

Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen reports from Leiden, Netherlands on what it means.

The Dutch Election Results Explained

Oct 30, 2025

Centrist D66 Party Set to Win Most Seats in Dutch Election, Exit Poll Suggests

THE GUARDIAN: Result would pave the way for the Netherlands’ first out gay prime minister and end far-right populist Geert Wilders’ time in power

The liberal-progressive D66 party was on track to become the largest in the Dutch parliament, according to an exit poll, after a snap general election in which Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom party was seen losing a third of its seats.

The poll, with a one- to two-seat margin of error, gave the centrist party an estimated 27 MPs in the 150-seat assembly, possibly clearing a path for its 38-year-old leader, Rob Jetten, to become the Netherlands’ youngest and first out gay prime minister.

The result, if confirmed, would mark a historic comeback for the almost 60-year-old party, which won just nine seats in the last 2023 election, and a serious setback for Wilders’ anti-immigraton Freedom party (PVV), forecast to slump from 37 MPs to 25. » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Meet Nicolás Keenan & Rob Jetten, the Couple Giving ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ Vibes at Paris Olympics »

Netherlands' Nazi Collaboration Files Spark Privacy Debate | Focus on Europe

Oct 23, 2025 | The Dutch National Archives hold records on 425,000 people who collaborated with the Nazis. What should be done with the files?

Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands | Former Queens

Jul 25, 2025 | Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands - This documentary paints a picture of the life and work of Queen Beatrix, from her birth in 1938 until the moment she announced her decision to abdicate in 2013.

Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands | European Queens

Premiered Jan 21, 2025 | Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands - This documentary paints a picture of the life and work of Queen Beatrix, from her birth in 1938 until the moment she announced her decision to abdicate in 2013.

Director: Etienne Glebbeek
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Release Date: 2013

Synopsis:

This documentary paints a picture of the life and work of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, from her birth until the moment she announced her decision to abdicate.

Princess Beatrix became a beloved queen who reigned over the Netherlands from 1980 until 2013.

The documentary includes footage of Beatrix as a baby, her time spent in Canada during the Second World War, her marriage to Prince Claus, as mother of three sons and as grandmother to eight grandchildren. In 2002 she lost her most important advisor, Prince Claus.

In the last year of her reign, her son Prince Friso was buried in an avalanche and has been in a coma ever since. We also see Queen Beatrix from 1980 as head of a nation, as ‘mother of the nation’ and as a monarch who has fulfilled her constitutional duties almost without controversy.

The portrait is built up thematically from 1980, the year of her investiture as queen. We see Queen Beatrix as head of a nation: on the 30th of April, for instance, when she celebrates her birthday at chosen cities or towns in the Netherlands. And as ‘mother of the nation’ offering a comforting shoulder to subjects who have suffered tragedy, adversity or misfortune. We also see Beatrix as head of state, as a monarch who has fulfilled her constitutional duties almost without controversy. Since her investiture, she has had dozens of discussions with ministers and other politicians, she has signed numerous laws and has continued to play a central role on Budget Day when she delivers the ‘Queen’s Speech’. In the past thirty-three years, she has also been on more than fifty state visits.

Amsterdam Attacks on Israel Football Fans Condemned by Mayor | BBC News

Nov 8, 2024 | Amsterdam's mayor has condemned "hit and run" attacks on Israeli football fans visiting the city.

Mayor Femke Halsema said the city is looking back at a "black night and a dark day". She said men on scooters roamed the city attacking supporters after trouble between Maccabi Tel Aviv football club fans and pro-Palestinian protesters.

Amsterdam police chief Peter Holla said Maccabi supporters attacked a taxi and set a Palestinian flag on fire on Wednesday.


Related articles here.

Jews Kicked, Beaten and Humiliated: How a Night of ‘Pogrom’ in Amsterdam Unfolded

THE TELEGRAPH: Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv were subjected to attacks by pro-Palestine hooligans before and after their team’s Europa League match against Ajax

One unconscious man is kicked in the back. Another pleads for mercy in a narrow alleyway before being punched in the head. And a third Israeli citizen is made to shout “Free Palestine” after jumping into a canal to save himself.

Amsterdam is reeling from what has been called a “Jew hunt” and “ pogrom” on its streets that has rekindled memories of Europe’s darkest hours.

After Maccabi Tel Aviv had played a Europa League match against Ajax on Thursday night, Israeli fans were chased with knives, humiliated and assaulted across the Dutch capital.

“I am ashamed,” said Femke Halsema, the mayor of Amsterdam, as she described hit-and-run attacks on the Israeli fans, announcing a temporary ban on protests. » | Henry Samuel, James Crisp, Europe Editor | Friday, November 8, 2024

LE FIGARO :

Supporteurs de football israéliens agressés à Amsterdam : ce que l’on sait des faits : Emmanuel Macron a condamné «fermement» ce vendredi les violences subies par les supporters israéliens jeudi soir en marge d’un match de football entre l’Ajax et le Maccabi Tel-Aviv. »

Why Anti-Islam Populist Geert Wilders Won the Dutch Elections

Dec 5, 2023 | The recent elections in The Netherlands shook up the country. Geert Wilders and his right-wing party the PVV won the majority of votes. Why did so many people vote for Wilders?

Geert Wilders' Victory May Be Only the Beginning of Voters Rebuking the Establishment: Steve Forbes

Nov 30, 2023 | Steve Forbes warns mainstream politicians that more shocking electoral upsets from outsiders may soon be in store due to voters' disaffection for current policies.

Yes, Mr. Forbes: British politics stinks to high heaven, too! – © Mark Alexander

'Get Out from Here': Dutch PM Probable Geert Wilders Tells Muslims in New Viral Video

Nov 26, 2023 | Dutch anti-Islam populist and PM probable Geert Wilders undated speech -- wherein he targets Islam and Muslims -- has gone viral. The speech is said to be after his far-right party's surprise victory in Netherlands. But HT cannot independently verify the date and location of the video. In his speech, Wilders pledges crackdown on Muslims, their mosques and Islamic centres as he brands Islam a religion of "hate and terror"

Geert Wilders speaks very tough words here. They will surely rock Europe. My guess is, though, that he is saying what many people think but wouldn't dare utter. Is Geert Wilders' victory at the polls the beginning of the end of political correctness in Europe, I wonder? – Mark

‘They Feel They Are Being Neglected’: Why Voters Turned to ‘Dutch Trump’ Geert Wilders

THE OBSERVER: In a pretty waterside town, residents applaud the veteran rightwinger’s stance on immigration, calling his success a ‘vote against the established order’

PVV leaders Geert Wilders is riding a wave of concern about immigration, housing and the cost of living. Photograph: Remko de Waal/ANP/AFP/Getty Images
In a shopping centre in Volendam, a fishing port north of Amsterdam, on Friday, there was satisfaction about far-right politician Geert Wilders having dominated last Wednesday’s Dutch elections. “It’s a really good thing,” said Pieter, who didn’t want to give a last name. “There’s a shortage of houses, people are still coming. The borders have to shut.”

In pretty Volendam, long a Wilders stronghold, the Party for Freedom (PVV) won 18.6% of votes. The jaws of politicians, political scientists and Wilders himself dropped open when early forecasts suggested a win of 37 seats – around a quarter of parliament and his largest share ever.

This blond politician sometimes called “the Dutch Trump” and known for his inflammatory comments on Islam, a criminal record for insulting Dutch Moroccans and being refused entry to Britain, has shocked the nation. According to provisional results, the veteran MP, who lives with 24-hour security after receiving death threats, is riding a wave of concern about immigration, housing, the cost of living and mistrust in governments after a string of scandals.

In a nearby cafe, Arjen, 57, said: “It’s a vote against the established order. They have made a mess of things.”

…

The Netherlands is known for low corruption, press freedom and moderation, but for the past two decades another current has been present: support for far-right parties. Anti-Islam Pim Fortuyn, murdered just before elections in 2002, created an eponymous party that won 26 seats and took part in government before falling apart. The far-right Forum for Democracy did well in provincial elections and became the biggest party in the Senate in 2019 before meeting a similar fate. According to Prof Tom Louwerse of Leiden University’s Institute of Political Science, the Dutch far right has polled on average 15% to 20% for the past decade. » | Senay Boztas in Volendam | Saturday, November 25, 2023

Geert Wilders is right about the dangers of Islam to the West, but he is wrong about Nexit.

Anyone who is not fearful of the growth of Islam in the West is either a naïve fool or is not paying attention. I have been warning about the dangers of Islam for very many years; for about thirty years to be more precise. I was warning of the dangers of Islam to the West back in the 90s! I have written a book on the dangers of Islam to the West — The Dawning of a New Dark Age — and I have blogged on the dangers of the religion/way of life for more than twenty years. This blog was originally called A New Dark Age Is Dawning. So, let me be absolutely clear: Islam IS a danger to our Western way of life. So don’t be too quick to condemn Geert Wilders! He is right on this matter. He is more extreme than I am. I am not far right; my politics is moderate. But being moderate and liberal does not mean that I am unaware of the dangers of Islam to the way of life I was raised to enjoy; and to the way of life most of you people were raised to enjoy, too.

Unless one has lived in an Islamic country, it really is difficult to explain clearly what is at stake here, to draw people attention to the dangers we face.

Having contact with the Islamic world has cost me dear. I went to the Middle East, to Saudi Arabia, to make money, but I lost money there! I left there having been cheated out of even the money the system owed me. Saudi Arabia pays gazillions to sports stars sports-washing. I wish they’d pay me back the millions they owe me first! I have suffered greatly as a result of what was done to me by the system.

Islam is tightening its grip on the West. It is subtle, but it is happening. However, our politicians are letting it happen; and in so doing, they are letting us down. The Conservatives are every bit as bad as the Socialists. Show both sides a few bob, and blind eyes are turned! And this is one of the main reasons why islam is gaining ground. Muslims know that Westerners will prostitute themselves and sell off all assets to make a quick buck. Preserving their heritage means nothing to them, especially when money can be made. Muslims, however, are different. Muslims love money, of course; but the proliferation of Islam and growing the influence of their prophet must always come first. Put simply, that is one of the main reasons why the Islamic world is far stronger than the so-called Judæo-Christian West.

Wake up! – © Mark Alexander

‘A Brexit Moment’: Dutch Voters Digest Geert Wilders’ Shock Election Win

GUARDIAN EUROPE: We hear from across the political spectrum as far-right populist begins talks to form government

The far-right PVV leader, Geert Wilders, attends a meeting with other party leaders for coalition talks on Friday. Photograph: Remko de Waal/EPA
The party of the Netherlands’ outgoing prime minister, Mark Rutte, has said it will not go into government with the anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders after this week’s shock election result.

Wilders’ far-right Freedom party (PVV) won 37 seats, more than doubling its representation in parliament to become the largest party.

As coalition talks begin, six voters in the Netherlands from across the political spectrum share their hopes and concerns for the future. » | Clea Skopeliti | Saturday, November 25, 2023

Dutch Throne on Display for First Time as Monarchy Tries to Win Back Public

GUARDIAN EUROPE: Seat used during state opening of parliament takes centre stage in exhibition about royal power

The Dutch throne has been moved for the first time from the 13th-century Ridderzaal in The Hague to be displayed in an exhibition, as the Netherlands’ monarchy seeks to further open up to the public amid growing republican sentiment.

…

De Vries laughed off any suggestion that the new exhibition was an attempt to reignite interest and support for the Dutch monarchy at a difficult time for the king, whose royal house has a €55m annual budget, making it one of the most expensive in Europe.

…

An increase in republican sentiment in recent years can be tracked to an outpouring of anger at Willem-Alexander’s decision to take his family on holiday to Greece during the Covid pandemic in 2020, despite people being advised to travel as little as possible at the time.

Read the whole article » | Daniel Boffey, Chief reporter | Friday, October 20, 2023

Nazi Party Membership Card of Dutch Royal Confirmed as Authentic

GUARDIAN EUROPE: German-born Prince Bernhard, late grandfather of King Willem-Alexander, had denied being a paid party member

A scan of Prince Bernhard’s Nazi party membership card. Bernhard, husband of the former queen Juliana, had insisted until his death in 2004 that he had never been a Nazi. Photograph: Royal Collections, The Hague/AFP/Getty Images
The royal household of the Netherlands has confirmed the authenticity of a Nazi membership card belonging to the Dutch king’s grandfather, bringing an end to the decades-long suspicions that had swirled around Prince Bernhard.

Claims of ties between Bernhard, a German aristocrat who married into the Dutch royal family in the 1930s, and the Nazi party surfaced in the late 1990s after a Dutch historian said he had found a copy of the card in a US archive.

Bernhard, who was prince consort until 1980, adamantly denied being a Nazi. “I can swear with my hand on the Bible: I have never been a Nazi,” Bernhard, then 93, told the national daily newspaper De Volkskrant in an interview shortly before his death in 2004. “I never paid for party membership. I never had a membership card.”

He did, however, acknowledge that he had been a member of several Nazi military units, describing it as a necessity for men of his age at the time. » | Ashifa Kassam, European Community affairs correspondent and agencies | Friday, October 6, 2023

verwandter Artikel.

Netherlands and Denmark to Donate Up To 61 F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine

THE GUARDIAN: Danish PM says country will provide 19 in stages when pilot training is completed as Dutch counterpart pledges up to 42 planes

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and Mark Rutte give a press conference on Sunday at Eindhoven airbase in the Netherlands. Photograph: Rob Engelaar/ANP/AFP/Getty Images
The Netherlands and Denmark have announced they will donate up to 61 F-16 fighter jets between them to Ukraine once pilot training has been satisfactorily completed, as Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited both countries after months of entreaties to bolster the Ukrainian air force.

Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said her country would provide 19 jets – “hopefully” six around new year, eight more next year and the remaining five in 2025. “Please take this donation as a token of Denmark’s unwavering support for your country’s fight for freedom,” Frederiksen said.

Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, did not put a number on the Dutch donation, but said the Netherlands had 42 in its air force. The country was already in the process of replacing them with more advanced US-made F-35s. » | Dan Sabbagh in Kharkiv | Sunday, August 20, 2023

Livraison d’avions de combat à l’Ukraine : l’Occident franchit le pas : En visite aux Pays-Bas et au Danemark, le président ukrainien, Volodymyr Zelensky, a obtenu la promesse que des F-16 américains seraient transférés à Kiev avec l’approbation des Etats-Unis. « Ce n’est que le début », s’est-il félicité. »

‘Potheads, Go Giggle Elsewhere’: Public Weed Ban Begins in Amsterdam

THE GUARDIAN: Tourists and residents now face €100 fine for public smoking in De Wallen, but some business owners are worried about impact

A worker hangs signs in the Nieuwmarkt publicising the new ban. Photograph: Hollandse Hoogte/Shutterstock
Thick fumes of cannabis smoke were noticeably absent from the air of Amsterdam’s red light district on Thursday, the familiar smell replaced by dank canal water and rats on the first day of a ban on smoking marijuana in public.

After years of complaints from residents about wild behaviour from 18 million annual visitors, a crackdown on nuisance tourism is in full swing. Last month, the municipality started a “stay away” campaign – aimed first at misbehaving Britons – that banned alcohol sales in shops at the weekend and imposed earlier closing times for window brothels and pubs.

Now, tourists and residents alike face a €100 (£87) fine for public cannabis smoking in and around the red light district, to “reduce crowding and nuisance in the area”. » | Senay Boztas in Amsterdam | Thursday, May 25, 2023