More than half of Amsterdam residents lack confidence in city government
More than half of the AT5 panel, made up of about 2,100 Amsterdam residents, expressed little to no confidence in the city government’s ability to tackle Amsterdam’s challenges. The survey showed both the mayor’s executive board and the municipal council received failing marks.
These results closely match a similar poll two years ago. Nationally, a 2024 Ipsos survey found only 44 percent of Dutch citizens trust politics. The Amsterdam panel showed about 10 points more trust in local government than national politics.
The executive board scored 4.8 out of 10, the municipal council 4.9. One panelist called the council a “coalition that keeps nodding yes but should really intervene more,” citing the invoicing disaster. Another said the council is “too young” and “never really opposes the executive board,” a view shared by many. Only 20 percent agreed the council effectively controls city policy.
Many criticized the city government for focusing too much on national and global issues rather than local ones. “The focus is too much on The Hague, global conflicts like Palestine, and climate issues. They are here to lead Amsterdam and nothing else, but that leadership is weak. Too much money is spent, and the city is still dirty,” one panelist said.
Street litter, the explosion, and payment problems were frequently cited. Many felt the city government focuses too much on the center and neglects outer neighborhoods. “Amsterdam is much bigger than that. Look at the problems outside the center.” Some panelists defended city leaders, saying they are “doing well” and “trying hard” in a complicated world.
Since 2021, the coalition has focused on challenges like the energy transition, car-reduction policies, and the erotic center issue. Still, nearly 60 percent feel the city government has not handled these well. “It has only gotten worse,” one said.
Looking ahead, 55 percent have little confidence the city government will solve future problems, 23 percent none at all. Half say the government does not adequately consider residents’ views; 30 percent say it does.
Mayor Femke Halsema has the highest trust, though opinions are divided. Education Alderman Marjolein Moorman (PvdA) also scores well. Traffic Alderman Melanie van der Horst (D66) has low trust, with 62 percent expressing little or no confidence, criticized for poor, costly public transport and the mobility agenda including low-emission zones and the Weesperstraat traffic cut.
Finance Alderman Hester van Buren (PvdA) faces criticism over invoicing problems, city debt, and street cleanliness. She oversees city cleaning, which panelists judge negatively.
The city government responded: “We see concerns among residents. As a government, we feel responsible to strengthen trust and solve problems. We continue dialogue, listen to residents’ worries and expectations, and work together on solutions for our city’s challenges.”
