Politics

MPs Esmah Lahlah and Don Ceder have introduced a private member's bill aimed at legally mandating the reduction of child poverty. The proposed legislation would require the government to halve the number of children living in poverty by 2035, with the eventual goal of total eradication. Rather than prescribing specific measures, the bill establishes a statutory duty for the cabinet to develop coherent policies, monitor progress transparently, and make necessary adjustments if targets are missed, ensuring the issue remains a priority regardless of the political climate.

The Dutch economy is facing renewed pressure as the Iran conflict drives up global energy prices. Fresh projections from the Central Planning Bureau show that inflation will rise faster than previously expected, wiping out the modest purchasing‑power growth households were set to gain this year.

Prime Minister Rob Jetten says talks with President Donald Trump were frank and constructive, even if major differences remain. The meeting covered global conflicts, NATO, and defence spending, against a backdrop of tension over Iran and Europe’s role on the world stage.

D66 has come out against the proposed asylum laws in the Senate, saying they are poorly designed and unlikely to work. With D66 opposed, the government needs CDA support to secure a majority, but it remains unclear whether the party will agree. Senator Boris Dittrich questioned whether the legislation would bring fair and effective control over migration.

The National Ombudsman warns that the government’s plan to limit a new municipal support law could leave many eligible people without help. Reinier van Zutphen says the decision may save money now but risks higher costs later. His concerns reflect ongoing mistrust caused by the benefits scandal.

Last November, security guards at Princess Beatrix’s Drakensteyn Castle estate and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee at a nearby gold vault both reported sightings of unauthorised drones. While the operators and their motives remain unknown, similar sightings were recorded at several Dutch air bases that same weekend. Although the Finance Minister maintains that the national gold reserves are secure deep underground, the incidents have prompted calls for increased investment in anti-drone technology to protect high-security sites.

D66, VVD and GroenLinks‑PvdA want laptops or tablets to be included in the law, that currently guarantees free schoolbooks. The parties argue this would support digitalization and reduce inequality, but State Secretary Judith Tielen questions whether the problem is large enough to justify the estimated 221 million‑euro annual cost.

D66 has agreed to open coalition talks with Hart voor Den Haag after weeks of resistance. The move follows an appeal from exploratory negotiator Ahmed Aboutaleb and could clear the way for a majority coalition in The Hague.