Sinterklaas ophef comes round earlier every year, but there’s a twist this time around: it’s not about Zwarte Piet. A critical review of the government’s coronavirus strategy comes out just as cases soar again and ministers promise to repeat the same mistakes as last year. Infections are certainly moving much faster than efforts to compensate for the victims of the child benefit scandal, with MPs, judges, the ombudsman and the Council of Europe all criticising the handling of the affair. And Rotterdam moves another 40 centimetres away from sea level as the new highest building in the Netherlands tops out.

The DutchNews podcast is taking a short break next week. Next episode on October 29.

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Ophef of the week: Sint schism threatens to polarise December 5 celebrations even further

And as the season nears, get in the festive spirit with David Sedaris’s monologue Six to Eight Black Men:

News

KPMG report criticises slow Dutch pandemic response and vaccination rollout

Many cafes, bars and restaurants not checking coronavirus apps, survey finds

Caretaker cabinet sets unenviable record of being longest government in office

Amsterdam man arrested for planning attack on Mark Rutte

Council of Europe slams Netherlands over failings in childcare benefits scandal

Judges’ committee criticises courts’ handling of childcare benefit cases

Rising like a salmon: Rotterdam tower grabs title of Netherlands’ tallest building

Sport

Netherlands favourites to qualify for Qatar World Cup after 6-0 thrashing of Gibraltar

Verstappen edges ahead in Formula 1 title race but Red Bull look off the pace