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As the economy cools, the cabinet burns through its green energy fund to bail out fossil fuel users and torch its climate change targets. The debate on who should be included in the May 4 commemorations flares up again as an alternative ceremony to include the victims of Gaza is condemned by some politicians. Geert Wilders claims victory as his asylum minister’s policies apparently drive down refugee numbers in the whole of Europe before they’ve even been implemented. Indoor football is rocked by accusations of match fixing, Ajax blunder their way to the Eredivisie title and there’s a suspicious death in Emmen zoo to get your teeth into.

In this week’s podcast we wrongly say the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Denmark: it is, of course, actually being held in Basel, Switzerland. Apologies to both countries.

Ophef of the week: Officials turn to music to try to keep peace on King’s Day

Enterprising teenager launches ferry service after bridge breaks (NOS)

Dutch broadcaster lodges objection to Eurovision flag ban

News

Climate plans include boost for electric car owners and industrial plants (RTL)

Households likely to foot bill for €567m cost of scrapping plastics tax

Spring budget measures will increase Dutch budget deficit to 2.3%

Refugee application in Netherlands down by 50% in a year

Wilders’ PVV loses opinion poll lead for first time in 18 months

‘Cold turkey month’ on social media proves challenge for young users

Dutch economy shrinks for fourth quarter in a row at start of 2025

Pay gap shrinks, women under 30 earning more than male counterparts

Calls grow for Liberation Day on May 5 to be made official holiday

Inclusive Remembrance Day event includes victims of genocide

Police investigating theft of plaque commemorating Battle of Arnhem

Interview: Amsterdam’s Verzetsmuseum, a warning not to make dictators great again

Two penguins bitten to death at Emmen’s Wildlands zoo, culprit unknown

First swordfish in 40 years washes up on Dutch coast

Sport

KNVB investigating allegations of match-fixing in indoor football league (NOS)

Ajax snatch late draw against Sparta to stay on track for Eredivisie title