Monica van Koppenhagen, number two on the Amsterdam Alternative Alliance list (list 20), has levelled strong criticism at the Amsterdam city council. She highlights the high costs of the civil service and the growing dissatisfaction among residents. With 35 parties on the ballot paper, she sees a clear call for change from the city.

This round of the Amsterdam City Council election debate centres on the question: do security cameras benefit the city? The Amsterdam Alternative Alliance (AAA), represented by Hugo Gietelink, argues that true safety does not come from increased surveillance, but from stronger social ties within neighbourhoods. Other parties, however, emphasise the role of cameras in detecting crime and maintaining public order, provided they are properly regulated. A heated debate on privacy, security and the question: do we build a safe city with technology, or with trust between people? Source Potkaars: https://www.youtube.com/live/Gxxsm_Me3sE?si=fFPlZE1HhtPMH8Z8

This debate on the Amsterdam City Council elections centres on the following question: should protests be banned or cleared away less readily? The Amsterdam Alternative Alliance (AAA), represented by Hugo Gietelink, emphasises the importance of the right to demonstrate as a cornerstone of democracy. Other participants, however, place the emphasis on safety, costs and responsibility during large demonstrations. A lively discussion on freedom of expression, police action and the balance between rights and order in the city. Source: Potkaars: https://www.youtube.com/live/Gxxsm_Me3sE?si=fFPlZE1HhtPMH8Z8

For those who really want to get to grips with the Amsterdam elections, there was a debate today for the smaller parties. Although the outlook is bleak – according to the polls, none of the parties will win a seat – the many party leaders threw themselves into it with gusto. “I always go all out.” It was packed at the Torpedo Theatre this afternoon, where the parties tried to make themselves noticed. The hall could have been filled just with the party leaders alone: this year, a record number of 35 parties are taking part in the elections. The small parties are hoping to secure a seat on the council ahead of next Wednesday’s elections. The debate is an initiative of Kok Chan, himself the lead candidate for the small party NL Plan. According to him, the smaller parties are not given a platform. “We have a huge number of voters in the city,” said Kirsten Zimmerman of the Pirate Party. “And if they choose to vote for small parties, then they will get in.”

From the Torpedo Theatre in Amsterdam, participating parties will debate the upcoming municipal elections this Wednesday. From 11.30 am to 2 pm, you can hear and see nine participating parties, moderated by Nicolai Brannan. Potkaars will be there and will broadcast the debate live. The event is organised by Kok Chan of NL PLAN. 0:00:00 start of livestream 0:10:38 part 1 1:24:30 part 2

In this video, Serge Lutgens reflects on politics from the perspective of balance: change arises from understanding where a system becomes unbalanced. He raises questions about political priorities – from climate spending and geopolitics to housing, care and livelihood security in Amsterdam – and advocates for a liveable city with clean air, affordable housing, free public transport and a basic income via a negative income tax. The video is part of an initiative by the Amsterdam Alternative Alliance (AAA), a coalition comprising Partij Bijzonder, Hart voor Vrijheid and the Political Party for Basic Income, together with independent candidates.

VOTE Amsterdam Alternative Alliance – #LIJST20 Go and vote for change, lovely people!!!

Ron is co-founder of the Basic Income Party and currently sits on the Amsterdam East District Committee on behalf of the GroenenBasisPiraten (Green Basic Pirates). “I will stand up for people who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walkers. Some buildings are very difficult to access due to stairs, thresholds and doorways that are too small to get through. Examples include polling stations, churches, shops and residential buildings. The municipality must improve accessibility. Footpaths and cycle paths also have many loose tiles, stones and raised manhole covers.”

On 9 March 2026, a debate evening was held at De Kring club with candidates for the Centre and South district committees. Candidates from various parties discussed important issues for Amsterdam, such as tourism, quality of life, prostitution policy, hospitality industry and resident participation. This video impression covers the most important discussions and questions of the evening, including Airbnb, the I-criterion for coffee shops, the erotic centre and the influence of residents on policy. For the Amsterdam Alternative Alliance (AAA), these topics are central: a liveable city and more say for Amsterdammers.

On behalf of the Amsterdam Alternative Alliance (AAA), Hugo Gietelink advocates for the restoration of the Hermitage in Amsterdam and for international cultural cooperation as a path to peace, encounter and connection between people and cities.

This video shows the housing protest that took place in Amsterdam on 1 March. The video was made by Hugo Gietelink, candidate number 3 on the Amsterdam Alternative Alliance (AAA) list for the municipal elections. The Amsterdam Alternative Alliance is a coalition of Partij Bijzonder (The Extraordinary Party), Hart voor Vrijheid (Heart for Freedom) and the Political Party for Basic Income, together with independent candidates. Support this initiative and vote for the Amsterdam Alternative Alliance.

AAA party leader Sabrina explains how the housing crisis in Amsterdam makes it almost impossible for her 18-year-old child to live independently, despite the care and support he receives. Her story shows how urgently affordable housing and customised solutions are needed.

At Nieuwmarkt metro station, Simcha de Haan questions Hugo Gietelink (candidate for the municipal council and Centrum district, AAA – Amsterdam Alternative Alliance) about the lessons of the metro riots of the 1970s. The struggle of residents against demolition and displacement shows that affordable housing is a basic right: housing is not a favour, but a right.

Hugo Gietelink, chairman of Hart voor Vrijheid (Heart for Freedom), is committed to social justice and peace. His priorities are more and better social housing, lower housing costs, stronger tenants’ rights and more direct control for residents over their neighbourhoods. He also advocates free public transport, accessible sanitary facilities and drinking water points. On the international stage, he chooses peace and cooperation over escalation, sanctions and military spending, so that social policy can remain a priority.

Monica and Sabrina are coming by for a rematch of the Cellar before the elections are over. In March, some people will be heading to the polls, and Amsterdam could use some new councillors. I’m interviewing the ladies about their worldview, their mission, and what to do with Amsterdam.

Complete transparency in government actions, an urban farm every two kilometres and, above all, more accessible public spaces. These are just a few of the points in the Amsterdam Alternative Alliance’s election programme. In the run-up to the municipal elections, AT5 is visiting party leaders for coffee. Today’s guest is Sabrina Grossman in a café next to the Stopera (source: AT5).

While the poorly instructed task construction completely overwhelms the podcast, Izak and I try to have a conversation with our guests. Tom van Lamoen and Peter van der Helm naturally explain their local contribution from a libertarian perspective, and Monica van Koppenhagen and Sabrina Grossman talk about their new alliance for the Amsterdam local elections.