We’ve got a Christmas games and puzzles edition of the podcast to wrap up the year. Hugo de Jonge leaves the rest of the CDA playing Exploding Kittens for a new leader following his unexpected departure. The government continues to play whack-a-mole with the coronavirus pandemic as infections increase. The ChristenUnie tries a new opening gambit by including contraceptives in the basic healthcare package. And there’s the riddle of the metal monolith that materialised from nowhere in Friesland.

Want to support the DutchNews podcast and keep our stocks of dog food, gin and stroopwafels healthy? Click here to become a Patreon backer

Ophef of the week: Dutch singer topples Bohemian Rhapsody from Top 2000 summit

News

Health minister Hugo de Jonge drops out of CDA election race

Only three Christmas guests allowed, tougher measures could be on the way

Coronavirus cases increased by 27% in first week of Decembe

Government allocates another €3.7bn to extend coronavirus support packages

• Details of how to apply for financial support for business and self-employed people (Dutch government website)

Parliament could save €90m by not moving out during renovation, report claims

Another silver monolith mysteriously appears in Friesland beauty spot

Plastic surgeons warn of danger of pitting avocados

Sport

Oranje draw Turkey and Norway in World Cup 2022 qualifying tournament

Ajax out of Champions League after home defeat to Atalanta

Double Dutch disappointment as AZ and Feyenoord go out of Europa League