Dutch asylum protests widen left‑right split; German chancellor warns youth against US

In the Netherlands, protests over asylum centres have intensified, with more than 18,000 asylum‑seeker families still housed in emergency shelters. Municipalities such as Zutphen and Venlo are providing housing, while many others are accused of neglect, fueling public frustration. The right‑wing is portrayed as capitalising on the unrest, whereas left‑wing parties are said to have lost touch with the affected voters.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at a conservative Catholic youth conference, advised young people – including his own children – to avoid studying or working in the United States. He cited a deteriorating social climate and employment challenges in the US, urging German youth to consider opportunities in Germany instead.