In the media
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Wilders in coalition talks: are his concessions enough? 15 January 2024
The process of forming a new coalition government in the Netherlands continued in the city of Hilversum last week. Geert Wilders has promised to withd...
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Government unaware of Dutch involvement in Iran nuclear weapons programme sabotage 11 January 2024
In 2007, a spy from the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) planted a destructive computer virus at an Iranian nuclear site, haltin...
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Are civil servants allowed to freely voice their political woes? 10 January 2024
In October, the Provincial Executive in Friesland reprimanded four civil servants who had signed an incendiary letter asking the government to adopt a...
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Fireworks possession ban difficult to enforce 10 January 2024
The current ban on setting off fireworks in the Netherlands is inadequate. An offender can only be arrested after setting off fireworks in front of en...
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The PVV as the governing party: how responsible is that? 14 December 2023
For Dutch politician Pieter Omtzigt, the PVV’s unconstitutional party manifesto remains a stumbling block to form a coalition. Referring to a study co...
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PVV manifesto plans unconstitutional 05 December 2023
Almost two weeks after the general elections in the Netherlands, negotiations between the leaders of the four parties who were expected to form a new ...
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Why is there no longer compulsory voting in the Netherlands? 21 November 2023
In 1970, compulsory voting was abolished in the Netherlands. It wasn’t functioning at the time, and it was abolished for practical and ideological rea...
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Still unclear whether Omtzigt might become Dutch PM 14 November 2023
Pieter Omtzigt, a strong contender in the polls for the Dutch general elections with his New Social Contract party (NSC), has said he would prefer to ...
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Opinion: Global Safety Summit on AI avoids real issue 08 November 2023
The first global safety summit on Artificial Intelligence is a fact. Prime Minister Sunak organised the conference because he believes that the issues...
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Should judicial review be allowed in the Netherlands? 02 November 2023
In the aftermath of the child care benefits scandal in the Netherlands, politicians in The Hague turned to self-reflection and, as a result, the call ...
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How accessible is information from Dutch public authorities to journalists? 30 October 2023
Journalists in the Netherlands are unhappy about the handling of their requests under the Dutch Open Government Act (Wet open overheid, Woo). They say...
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Criticism from Dutch civil servants about the Government's stance on war in Middle East 23 October 2023
Two open letters are currently circulating among civil servants in the Netherlands calling for the Dutch government to take a different stance towards...
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Dutch shipbuilder seeking compensation for sanctions against Russia 16 October 2023
Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards has sued the government. With the legal action, the company is seeking compensation for financial loss suffered as a...
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'Bestaanszekerheid': the new buzzword in The Hague 21 September 2023
'Bestaanszekerheid' (socio-economic security) is the buzzword in the Netherlands and the magic word in the current election campaign. The King also dr...
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Hiring third parties by (local) authorities remains controversial 20 September 2023
Hiring commercial consultancy firms by (local or regional) authorities remains controversial and it is at the centre of attention. This was previously...