Housing, immigration, and climate top concerns for Amsterdam voters ahead of elections

Housing shortages, immigration, and the climate crisis are top concerns for Amsterdam voters ahead of the October 29 Tweede Kamer elections, a new AT5 survey of nearly 2,100 residents shows.

Nearly half of the respondents called the housing market the top issue. Many blamed expats, citing the 30 percent tax rule that gives foreign workers more spending power. “They’re nice people, but they’re ruining the housing market,” one participant said. Climate is ranked as a top issue by 30 percent of Amsterdammers.

Immigration remains a major theme, especially labor migration. “There should be much more focus on labor migration. These people end up on the streets,” a respondent said. Over half of respondents reportedly said that they want labor migration limited to "reduce homelessness."

Trust in national politics is at a low point: more than 80 percent said they have little or no confidence in the government, while only 1 percent expressed strong trust. Still, nearly all plan to vote, though 6 percent said they probably will not. “I’ve always believed not voting means losing your voice, but my trust is really zero now,” one respondent said.

About 70 percent also support keeping the national asylum “distribution law,” which requires municipalities to share responsibility for housing asylum seekers more evenly. Many respondents said Amsterdam already accommodates a large number of refugees and should not bear additional pressure.

Other frustrations include waste. Since the 2023 deposit rule on cans and bottles, litter has increased; a small majority now wants the rule scrapped. “It’s absurd that bins are torn open for deposits,” one said.