The pandemic put paid to the usual Budget Day pageantry again, but the economic revival gave parties plenty of scope to embellish the balance sheet with extra cash for teachers, healthcare staff and new houses. The abolition of the 1.5 metre rule failed to bring a rapprochement with the hospitality sector over the compulsory corona check app. Leonardo di Caprio became the latest celebrity to sign up to the Dutch fake meat revolution. And as a hen changes sex in Zeeland, we ask if there’s more chance of a rooster laying an egg than the coalition talks producing a new government.

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Ophef of the week: MPs and Jewish groups condemn Baudet’s ‘holocaust’ remarks

Budget Day news

Dutch economy grows faster than expected, households have more to spend

MPs secure more money for teachers and defence, plus higher corporate taxes

No major policy plans, but here are the main points of the budget

MPs secure more money for teachers and defence, plus higher corporate taxes

Other news

Dress-down weekend fails to force breakthrough in coalition negotiations

Coronavirus cases fall 16% in a week, highest infection rate in under-20s

Cafes face fines and closure if they refuse to check coronavirus passes

Leo DiCaprio invests in synthetic meat producer Mosa Meat

It’s no yolk! Zeeland hen stops laying eggs and becomes a rooster (Omroep Zeeland, Dutch)

Sport

Ajax fire nine past Cambuur Leeuwarden to go top of Eredivisie (Football Oranje)

Hamilton and Verstappen to resume bruising title battle in Russia (AP)