@jeffconco.bsky.social
Teacher. Deutschland. Scouse. Immer gegen Rechts. Immer liebevoll LFC.
Fun trivia: the British right is much more right wing than the US supporters of Donald Trump.
31.10.2025 21:27 — 👍 24 🔁 11 💬 3 📌 1![D66's Rise on Social Liberal Platform Sparks Debate on Shifting Political Labels
The Hague - The strong performance of the Dutch political party Democrats 66 (D66) in the general election on October 29, 2025, where they tied for the most seats, has ignited a conversation about the evolution of political ideologies. Running on an explicitly social liberal platform, D66's success, which included a proposal for an "individual basic amount" akin to a Universal Basic Income (UBI), has led many to observe a notable shift in how such policies are framed – from being decried as "Socialist" just a few years ago to now being considered "pragmatic centrism."
In the recent election, D66, led by Rob Jetten, secured 26 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, a significant gain that positioned them as a major force in the coalition negotiations.[1][2] Their campaign was characterized by a positive and forward-looking message, with analysts noting that voters were drawn to their "stable, centrist coalition" appeal.[3]
A key plank of their platform was the introduction of an "individual basic amount," a policy aimed at simplifying the current complex benefits system.[4] This proposal is seen by many as a form of UBI, an idea that has been debated in the Netherlands for decades.
Historically, the concept of a basic income has seen support from various corners of the Dutch political landscape. As far back as the 1990s, figures within D66 publicly favored the idea.[4] The GreenLeft party (GroenLinks) has also previously endorsed a form of negative income tax with the long-term goal of a basic income.[4] However, mainstream parties, including the Labour Party (PvdA) and the conservative VVD, have historically been more hesitant or outright opposed, often raising concerns about the work ethic and the underlying principles of the existing social security system.[5]
The recent success of D66's proposal has prompted reflection on a potential shift in the political discourse.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:weypikbrwodr2fsanloqjx6s/bafkreienj2htkaj6ma6zf2zvgw2aaiajkppzj3k6nqprml23bn5yq3dagu@jpeg)
D66's Rise on Social Liberal Platform Sparks Debate on Shifting Political Labels The Hague - The strong performance of the Dutch political party Democrats 66 (D66) in the general election on October 29, 2025, where they tied for the most seats, has ignited a conversation about the evolution of political ideologies. Running on an explicitly social liberal platform, D66's success, which included a proposal for an "individual basic amount" akin to a Universal Basic Income (UBI), has led many to observe a notable shift in how such policies are framed – from being decried as "Socialist" just a few years ago to now being considered "pragmatic centrism." In the recent election, D66, led by Rob Jetten, secured 26 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, a significant gain that positioned them as a major force in the coalition negotiations.[1][2] Their campaign was characterized by a positive and forward-looking message, with analysts noting that voters were drawn to their "stable, centrist coalition" appeal.[3] A key plank of their platform was the introduction of an "individual basic amount," a policy aimed at simplifying the current complex benefits system.[4] This proposal is seen by many as a form of UBI, an idea that has been debated in the Netherlands for decades. Historically, the concept of a basic income has seen support from various corners of the Dutch political landscape. As far back as the 1990s, figures within D66 publicly favored the idea.[4] The GreenLeft party (GroenLinks) has also previously endorsed a form of negative income tax with the long-term goal of a basic income.[4] However, mainstream parties, including the Labour Party (PvdA) and the conservative VVD, have historically been more hesitant or outright opposed, often raising concerns about the work ethic and the underlying principles of the existing social security system.[5] The recent success of D66's proposal has prompted reflection on a potential shift in the political discourse.
![D66's "Individual Basic Amount": A Closer Look at the Proposal
The social-liberal party D66 has centered its successful 2025 election campaign on a significant overhaul of the Dutch social security system, introducing a proposal for an "individual basic amount" for every adult citizen. This plan, a cornerstone of their manifesto, aims to replace the current complex web of benefits and allowances with a single, more direct form of income support.
Core Principles of the Proposal:
The fundamental idea behind the "individual basic amount" is to provide a foundational income floor for all adults in the Netherlands.[1][2] This would function in two primary ways:
For those with sufficient income: It would act as a tax credit, reducing their overall tax burden.[3][4]
For those with little to no income: It would be disbursed as a direct cash payment.[3][4]
This system is designed to simplify the current labyrinthine benefits system, which D66 argues is overly bureaucratic and often difficult for citizens to navigate.[1] The party's manifesto explicitly states the goal is to move towards a system that offers more financial security and simplicity.
Phasing Out Existing Benefits:
A key component of the proposal is the gradual elimination of several existing allowances. The health and childcare allowances are specifically targeted to be eventually scrapped and integrated into the new "individual basic amount."[5] This consolidation is intended to streamline support and reduce the administrative overhead associated with the current multi-benefit system.
Funding the Transition:
D66 plans to finance this ambitious overhaul through a broader restructuring of the tax system. One of the primary funding mechanisms outlined is the phasing out of the existing mortgage interest tax relief.[6] Additionally, the party has proposed increasing taxes on wealth and introducing a "millionaire's tax" to generate further revenue. This approach signals a shift in the tax burden...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:weypikbrwodr2fsanloqjx6s/bafkreidzwuihv4hmobifafipe7y2hts73c6o6rsx5ba6voz2tmo62no2ci@jpeg)
D66's "Individual Basic Amount": A Closer Look at the Proposal The social-liberal party D66 has centered its successful 2025 election campaign on a significant overhaul of the Dutch social security system, introducing a proposal for an "individual basic amount" for every adult citizen. This plan, a cornerstone of their manifesto, aims to replace the current complex web of benefits and allowances with a single, more direct form of income support. Core Principles of the Proposal: The fundamental idea behind the "individual basic amount" is to provide a foundational income floor for all adults in the Netherlands.[1][2] This would function in two primary ways: For those with sufficient income: It would act as a tax credit, reducing their overall tax burden.[3][4] For those with little to no income: It would be disbursed as a direct cash payment.[3][4] This system is designed to simplify the current labyrinthine benefits system, which D66 argues is overly bureaucratic and often difficult for citizens to navigate.[1] The party's manifesto explicitly states the goal is to move towards a system that offers more financial security and simplicity. Phasing Out Existing Benefits: A key component of the proposal is the gradual elimination of several existing allowances. The health and childcare allowances are specifically targeted to be eventually scrapped and integrated into the new "individual basic amount."[5] This consolidation is intended to streamline support and reduce the administrative overhead associated with the current multi-benefit system. Funding the Transition: D66 plans to finance this ambitious overhaul through a broader restructuring of the tax system. One of the primary funding mechanisms outlined is the phasing out of the existing mortgage interest tax relief.[6] Additionally, the party has proposed increasing taxes on wealth and introducing a "millionaire's tax" to generate further revenue. This approach signals a shift in the tax burden...
This just happened in the The Netherlands today. The centrist "D66" party, running on a platform that includes a universal basic income, won the most votes, positioning its leader to become the new PM. You heard that right, UBI is now a moderate position there and seen as a pragmatic solution to AI.
30.10.2025 21:19 — 👍 229 🔁 83 💬 4 📌 6
Minority representation on TV causes outrage There has been widespread support for prominent Reform MP Sarah Pochin after she complained about the over-representation of minorities on television. Said one angry viewer, "She's right. Every time you turn on the telly there's another Reform MP being interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg." She added, "I respect their way of life and their strange customs, but Reform MPs comprise only 0.7 percent of the House of Commons. Yet Nigel Farage is on Question Time more than Fiona Bruce." "I'm not prejudiced. Some of my best friends are swivel-eyed loons, but enough is enough. There are too many people with angry red faces on television.”
Gotta love Private Eye.
Always cuts through the crap.
Every time a language is dropped, we rob future generations of opportunities. We close off pathways to new ideas, deeper connections and a richer understanding of the world. Every student deserves the chance to open those doors. Languages aren't a luxury. They're a gateway to broader horizons.
30.10.2025 20:08 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
30.10.2025 20:20 — 👍 39 🔁 20 💬 0 📌 0
Amazon is helping fund a $300 million build of a ballroom for the White House.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Excellent response from Würzburgerinnen to Merz’s Stadtbild comments
29.10.2025 19:37 — 👍 9 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Great fact checking! So important to unpick these lies.
Social media posts claim that Christmas markets in Germany are being canceled due to terrorism fears. DW Fact check verifies: Most markets are going ahead as planned, with updated safety measures.
www.dw.com/en/a-7447037...
To say this is a problem is a gigantic understatement. We live in the golden age of AI slop. Hopefully we will soon gain the right control the algorithms that control our online life in order to filter out AI slop to a large degree.
24.10.2025 06:26 — 👍 103 🔁 54 💬 4 📌 8
excellent placement 😬
23.10.2025 09:44 — 👍 72 🔁 17 💬 4 📌 1
A hotdog and pretzel stand with large hanging bottles of mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise. The bottoms contain squeeze tubes to dispense the condiments.
I have been traveling and today I present to you...the thing I saw in the Frankfurt airport.
Is it efficient? Undeniably. Does it probably work better than the normal way? Oh certainly. Produce less of a mess? Probably?
But the existence of Condiment Udders gives me a deep, aghast disquiet.
Timeline cleanse, Canada-style!
23.10.2025 06:56 — 👍 9 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 0
'Das crazy' is the German Youth Word of the Year 2025
Selected by Germany's youth as their trendiest slang of the year, the expression "das crazy" beat two other shortlisted favorites, "goonen" and "checkst du."
www.dw.com/en/das-crazy...
#DasCrazy
100% no. You may as well argue that trees are littering when apples fall. It’s a net benefit to the flora and fauna. However, if an apple is dropped in a city (I.e. on concrete) that is littering.
22.10.2025 18:36 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
21.10.2025 17:27 — 👍 67 🔁 7 💬 1 📌 0
"Wir, wir, wir sind das Stadtbild!", schallte es heute Tausendfach auf dem Pariser Platz in Berlin! ❤️🖤
#b1910
#Stadtbild
SPOILER ALERT: The number one reason for voting Brexit was to "control our borders".
"Asked if there were any examples where Brexit has helped the UK 'control our borders', both the Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt and the Director General of the National Crime Agency Rob Jones were stumped.”
#fckafd
12.10.2025 16:13 — 👍 53 🔁 15 💬 1 📌 0
There’s always that one kid who takes “show and tell” a little too far.
#CalvinandHobbes #ShowAndTell #ClassicCalvin
Eine Gedenktafel an einer Felswand: 1891 - 1991 An diesem furchterregenden Ort besiegte Sherlock Holmes am 4. Mai 1891 Professor Moriarty.
Und dreimal dürft ihr raten, wo ich gestern noch war. 😁
12.10.2025 06:29 — 👍 36 🔁 2 💬 2 📌 0We like to imagine that it will be buff guys with guns that run ICE out of town,
but the truth is, revolutions are won by housewives, grandmas, and 16 year old kids.
The smaller, more vulnerable groups which understand that there is no benefit to being quiet in the face of oppression.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s ridiculous. I need lifetime medication, so that’s not going to change every quarter, and neither will my insurance.
Absolut krass!
A gentle reminder for whoever needs it: you don't have to make yourself small for anyone. You are perfect, exactly the way you are.
10.10.2025 19:32 — 👍 1023 🔁 136 💬 33 📌 5Gosh. That’s horribly cruel. I know I don’t know you but you and your family will be in my thoughts. So sorry for your loss.
10.10.2025 19:50 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Any nation not looking into UBI, as AI and automation kill millions of jobs, wants their population to be poor and destitute.
10.10.2025 16:08 — 👍 24 🔁 9 💬 1 📌 0
Linguists have long speculated that language may have originated in gesture, as a type of early sign language, before shifting to a spoken medium. Using experimental evidence, a 2022 paper suggests that the meanings of gestures are sufficiently universal to have provided a basis for early language.
09.10.2025 19:35 — 👍 15 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 1
They lionised a woman for calling for hotels full of asylum seekers to be set on fire. Now they're lionising a man who set fire to a Quran in public.
The far-right, whether it's Reform UK or Conservatives, are championing the cause of those who will violently tear our society apart.
Reprehensible.
Yup...
08.10.2025 18:23 — 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0Calling English a 'rip-off degree' is one of the most blatant exhibitions of personal barbarism I've ever seen. You've demonstrated nothing but the poverty of your own mind.
08.10.2025 08:28 — 👍 3470 🔁 641 💬 182 📌 52
What?! The four best-selling whiskeys are Indian?
06.10.2025 18:03 — 👍 22 🔁 5 💬 2 📌 1
