politics

The Dutch government announced new regulations for real estate agents and a four-point plan to improve regional public transport, including self-driving bus pilots. Meanwhile, coalition tensions rise as the VVD fears electoral backlash and the PRO party tests the cabinet's limits. For internationals, housing transparency and rural mobility are key takeaways.

Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez calls a snap election for November 29 after parliament rejects his housing measures. The vote is a gamble amid corruption scandals and a migration crisis, with implications for European housing policy that Dutch expats should watch.

Brazil's presidential election is heading to a run-off on October 25 after right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro outperformed polls to lead incumbent Lula 55.8 million to 53.2 million in the first round. The tight race, marked by concerns over crime and the economy, pits the son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro against the leftist incumbent in a deeply polarised contest.

Brazil's presidential election on October 4 saw Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro in a near tie, with a runoff likely on October 25. The race is defined by democracy fears, the Banco Master scandal, and US interest.

Brazilians vote on October 4 in a deadlocked presidential race between incumbent Lula and right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro. A corruption probe into Bolsonaro’s ties to a disgraced banker and allegations of US interference add to the tension. The outcome could affect EU-Brazil trade, climate policy, and democratic stability — relevant for internationals in the Netherlands with ties to Latin America.

Brazil's presidential election on October 4 is too close to call, with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro statistically tied. A corruption investigation into Bolsonaro and allegations of US funding for far-right groups have added tension. If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff will be held on October 25.

Balad party leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his Knesset candidacy after the Israeli Supreme Court indicated it would disqualify him. The move reduces Arab Israeli representation in the October 27 election, where Arab parties were seen as potential kingmakers. For internationals in the Netherlands, the case echoes Dutch debates on minority political participation and may influence Dutch foreign policy discourse.

Nvidia launched a PAC in Washington to influence AI regulation, while top AI executives publicly call for rules. For expats in the Netherlands, this US lobbying could shape the EU AI Act and affect tech jobs, privacy, and public investment.

The Dutch cabinet and PRO party are locked in a 'game of chicken' that could stall legislation on housing and immigration. Meanwhile, the housing minister steps in to regulate real estate agents after widespread complaints. For internationals, this means more transparency in house hunting but continued political uncertainty.

Putin's United Russia wins historic supermajority with 86 war veterans entering parliament. Foreign assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin are seized. Gas talks with Germany's AfD loom. Expats in the Netherlands face continued energy volatility and tighter EU sanctions.

With Israel's October 27 election approaching, PM Netanyahu faces allegations he ignored Egyptian and UAE warnings before the October 7 attack, while his government moves to bar Arab parties from the ballot and downplays settler violence.

The Dutch minority cabinet reversed most social security cuts in its 2027 budget, allocating €1.5 billion for purchasing power. But 97% of €6 billion in tax increases fall on workers, drawing sharp criticism from the Council of State. Box 3 asset tax reform is delayed again to 2029.

Morocco's monarchy-aligned PAM won the most seats in the September 23 parliamentary election but fell short of a majority. With turnout at a record low 38%, the party must now form a coalition to govern ahead of the 2030 World Cup. We explain what the results mean and how they compare to Dutch coalition dynamics.

The EU lifted sanctions on oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman after French pressure, alarming Brussels. Meanwhile, Germany’s far-right AfD won a state election, boosting Kremlin-friendly forces. For expats in the Netherlands, this signals a fracturing European unity on Russia policy.

As murals of Chávez and Maduro are removed in Caracas, acting president Delcy Rodríguez promises elections at the UN but gives no date. The makeover raises questions: is it a genuine political opening or a cosmetic rebrand?

Zelenskyy tells UN Putin is 'patient zero' of the war, calls for sustained sanctions. At home, he faces accountability questions after a deadly ammunition warehouse disaster and a corruption probe into a former aide. For expats in the Netherlands, the stakes are EU accession and stability.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva is seeking a fourth term in the 4 October election, tied in polls with Flavio Bolsonaro. He has announced a 15% welfare increase and warned against foreign interference at the UN. For expats in the Netherlands, the result could affect trade, investment and consular services.

The Dutch cabinet is willing to make concessions to party PRO but wants to set the terms, leading to a 'game of chicken' over the budget. Meanwhile, Volt leader Laurens Dassen remains angry about an AI-generated laughter incident, adding instability. For expats, this could mean policy delays and uncertainty.

With less than two weeks until Brazil’s first-round presidential election, incumbent Lula and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro are neck-and-neck in the polls. A corruption investigation into Bolsonaro’s ties to a $2.3bn bank fraud adds uncertainty to the outcome.

German Chancellor Merz's CDU suffered historic losses in two state elections, with the far-right AfD surging. For internationals in the Netherlands, this threatens EU policy on migration, the economy, and housing.