Hugo de Jonge is moving from health to housing. Photo: ANP/Lex van Lieshout
A year after Mark Rutte’s four-party coalition resigned in disgrace, a new cabinet of four parties, led by Mark Rutte, promises a fresh start and a “new elan”. Within days two ministers have tested positive for coronavirus and the justice minister is under fire for not bothering to enforce the rules. Departing economic affairs minister Stef Blok drops a stink bomb in Groningen on his way out, revealing that gas production in the earthquake-ridden province will have to double. New housing minister Hugo de Jonge will need all his skills and more to tackle the shortage of affordable homes. And we reveal which minor ruckus has won the coveted title of Ophef of the Year 2021.
Ophef of the week: Rita Verdonk returns as number two to Richard de Mos in The Hague
Rewatch Verdonk’s infamous campaign video for Trots op Nederland in 2010:
News
King and new ministerial team stage socially distanced inauguration photo
New cabinet faces challenges on housing, health, jobs and climate
Audit office warns new government on spending plans
New justice minister criticised for lax approach to lockdown enforcement
Cafes and bars to open in several regions this weekend in protest against lockdown
Foreign affairs minister Wopke Hoekstra tests positive for coronavirus
Subsidy scheme to improve homes in Groningen used up on first day
Estate agents call for housing plans to be speeded up as market grinds to a halt
Sport
Eredivisie will restart as planned despite rising infections (NOS, Dutch)
Alyson Annan quits as Netherlands’ women’s hockey coach (The Hockey Paper)
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