The podcast team look forward to the mouthwatering prospect of bitterballen for breakfast as step two of lifting the coronavirus restrictions looms into view. One thing falling even faster than the infection numbers is Forum voor Democratie’s seat count as the party splits faster than a uranium atom on steroids. Riots break out in Doetinchem as Go Ahead Eagles pip De Graafschaap in the heated battle to get out of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Afghan interpreters come under the spotlight as the VVD fights its own asylum policy, while an avian refugee turns heads in Zeeland. And we investigate how the Dutch became Europe’s biggest fans of fake meat.

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Ophef of the week: Ikea’s yellow stars for non-mask wearers sparks pointed criticism

Coronavirus news

Next stage of easing rules will go ahead if hospital admissions drop by 20%

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know

Hospital admissions fall to 18.6% below April peak

MPs back new rules on coronavirus entry and quarantine

Libraries can reopen after cabinet backtracks under pressure from MPs

Political news

Coalition talks resume as MPs choose Mariëtte Hamer to lead negotiations

Far-right FVD splits again as May 4 poster proves last straw for Van Haga

Other news

Recruiting refugees could ease staff shortage in healthcare sector

VVD and D66 call for Aghan interpreters to be granted asylum

Peregrine falcons raise chicks in Rijksmuseum bell tower

Owl spotted in Zeeland may have escaped from Belgium

Sport

Ajax gives 42,000 tin stars to fans as thanks for socially distanced support

Riot police called in as De Graafschap miss out on promotion to Eredivisie