News

Thank you, Itay 💜

Some people make a difference you don’t just see, but truly feel. Itay is one of those people.

How does the city council affect my life in Amsterdam?

You might be wondering why it is important to vote in the local election in Amsterdam. What does the city council do? And why should I vote if I am not a Dutch citizen?

Can I vote in Amsterdam?

The municipal elections are coming up on Wednesday March 18, 2026 and are you wondering if you can vote? (Most) foreign nationals who live in Amsterdam can vote!

"Bekend maakt bemind 2.0": why meeting each other matters

In September 2023, Itay Garmy (Volt) and Sheher Khan (DENK) introduced the initiative “Bekend maakt Bemind”. Their idea was simple: bring Amsterdammers into contact with one another, especially when they are different. Since October 7, 2023, this has only become more important. The war in Israel and Gaza has led to increased tensions in the Netherlands as well. In schools, community centers, and on the streets, it became clear how quickly conversations break down, or stop happening altogether.

Volt in Amsterdam 2024-2026

With the elections approaching, our first term in the city council will soon come to an end. As in previous years, we are looking back on the highlights of the past year. In this letter, you can read about some of the things we have done in the council and for the city over the past year.

Volt presents election program 'Build Your Future'

Volt Amsterdam presents innovative proposals in its election program for a city that builds your future. From a floating student campus to a debt-free generation: Volt wants to implement what already works in other European cities but is still missing in Amsterdam. Because good ideas know no borders.

Studying in Amsterdam? This letter is for you!

Amsterdam should be a city where every student can live affordably, safely, and happily - a city that feels like home. Today, on International Students’ Day, we celebrate what makes studying in Amsterdam so special, but we also look at what still needs to improve. Because let’s be honest: finding a room is almost impossible, rents are absurdly high, and the mental pressure keeps growing. That is why Volt is working hard to change that for you!

This initiative makes international train travel more comfortable and cheaper

You're standing at Utrecht Central Station. You open an app, choose a destination - Paris, Berlin, or maybe Barcelona - and within a few clicks you have a ticket. That sounds like a dream, but according to Volt MP Marieke Koekkoek, it is feasible. With her initiative paper All signals on Green, she is making international train travel more attractive. ‘It is about making the train not only greener, but also the cheapest and most comfortable choice.’

Emergency debate, City Council of Amsterdam

Following the events surrounding and after the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match, the faction would like to update you on the latest developments and the emergency debate that will take place today

General Political Considerations 2024

On Wednesday, 9 October, Amsterdam City Council held the General Political Considerations, during which Juliet Broersen shared her vision for the city. Read her contribution below.

Budget Amsterdam 2025

Over the past three years, we have consistently advocated for a future-proof budget for Amsterdam. Fortunately, we now finally see choices being made with a view to the long term. Although Amsterdam is moving forward progressively in Budget 2025, we remain critical of important issues such as the maintenance of public space, the affordability of housing for starters and young families, and the low-threshold accessibility of municipal services.

Discussion of the Referendum on the Hoofdgroenstructuur (Main Green Structure) Policy Framework in the City Council on 26-27 June 2024

On 6 June 2024, we, the people of Amsterdam, went to the polls to vote in a referendum. You could vote for or against the new policy framework for the Hoofdgroenstructuur, and 59.1% voted against it. During the council meeting on June 26 and 27, the city council discussed the referendum's outcome.

Referendum Main Green Structure Policy

On June 6th, we will not only be voting for the European Parliament but also for a local referendum. This referendum asks whether you are for or against the new “Main Green Structure Policy”. This policy concerns the protection of green spaces in the city. We believe it is important that all Amsterdammers form an informed opinion. Therefore, in this blog, you will find more explanation about the referendum and our advice: vote against it!

Amsterdam Presents the Spring Memorandum 2024

Today, the alderman presented the 2024 Spring Memorandum. This document outlines changes compared to the budget, such as financial windfalls or decisions to invest more in certain areas. In this blog, you can read our initial reaction to the Spring Memorandum: we are pleased with the investments but have concerns about the long term.

Volt in Amsterdam 2023-2024

After two years, Volt is now halfway through its first term in the council. While in the first year we focused on building the faction, gaining expertise on different issues, and learning the workings of the council, this year allowed us to further build upon a strong foundation. In this letter you will see some of the things we have done in the council and for the city.

European Parliament Elections 2024 – How to vote?

This year, we can once again head to the polls! On June 6, 2024, we will be voting for the European Parliament. The European Parliament represents European citizens and influences EU legislation and policies - making it very important! Read below how you can vote in these elections.