Today on Lowdown, two quiet policy shifts with big consequences: the Dutch caretaker government has scrapped long-promised protections for low-paid migrant workers and, at the same time, approved new public insurance coverage for costly weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
We dig into what these choices expose about who really benefits from Dutch policy--from exploited workers to those at the front of the health queue--and what it all says about power and inequality in the Netherlands today.
After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
After Mamdani's win in New York, our guest Kristo is curious about the Dutch welfare system.
Dutch news
Who cares?
You do.
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Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
Host: Allart van der Woude
Guest: Kristo
Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude
Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.a
Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman
Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
About Low Country Lowdown
Low Country Lowdown is the podcast for internationals in the Netherlands who want to stay in the loop.
Every Friday morning, we deliver a 20 minute explainer on the past week’s most important stories in Dutch news, politics, and society. We go beyond the breaking news by picking the major themes that will continue to shape the country.
Whether it's the ever-worsening housing crisis, consequential political feuds or the slow-burn disaster in the prison system, we explain why each story matters now and how it may play out in the months and years to come.
Every week, we're joined by an expat guest who shares their view and voices their most pressing questions.
Production & Presentation: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl
Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
www.lowdown.nl