Volt Amsterdam proposes floating student campus and youth reforms
Volt Amsterdam has unveiled a municipal election program aimed at improving life for young residents in the city. The party, led by Juliet Broersen, 29, told Het Parool that young Amsterdammers “study, work hard, and are flexible” but face increasing pressure from rising costs, congestion, and housing shortages.
Key proposals include building a floating student campus on the IJ, making shared housing easier, and expanding nighttime public transport. Volt also wants better lighting in parks and bike routes, registered fat bikes, and to allow electric bicycles on roads.
On the economic front, the party wants Amsterdam to become a hub for start-ups, establishing a collaborative space for young companies, researchers, and investors. Volt also calls for participatory budgeting, permanent citizen councils, neighborhood referenda, a formal role for internationals, lowering the voting age to 16, and electing the mayor.
To manage tourism, Volt wants to raise the city’s tourist tax. Volt also wants more recycling points, smarter bins, and the replacement of garbage trucks with waste boats.
The party also said it plans to boost arts and culture by using empty buildings for nightlife, creating an annual citywide theater night, and increasing funding for the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts.
Volt also seeks to simplify social assistance, giving 100 homeless or at-risk youth 1,000 euros each and creating a support desk for self-employed residents facing debt.
The municipal elections are scheduled for March 18, 2026.
