Despite a new surge in coronavirus infections, there were signs of normal life returning this week. The government’s budget plans were leaked ahead of Prinsjesdag, the football season geared up for a restart and there was a bitter row in parliament about refugees. While D66 decided not to pick a self-confessed forger as its leader, Geert Wilders announced his discrimination trial would run for another season. And we bring you a shocking tale about blue parrots, legal eagles and a phantom balloon.

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Ophef of the week: Gouden Koets may have had its last public outing

News

Coronavirus infections pass 1,000 a day for first time since mid-April

Survey finds most people support coronavirus rules but don’t observe them

Budget leaks: economy predicted to rebound in 2021 with 3.5% growth

Coalition criticised for quid pro quo deal to take in 100 refugees from Lesbos camp

Sigrid Kaag calls for ‘moral leadership’ after winning D66 leadership by a landslide

WIlders guilty of group insult but cleared of inciting hatred by appeal court

British population has grown by 10,000 since Brexit vote and more are going Dutch

Second dead bottlenose whale found washed up on Zeeland coast

Balloon firm ordered to pay €68,000 to owner of parrots that were scared to death

Sport

Bergwijn’s goal earns Dutch hard-fought win against Poland (ESPN)

Dutch second-best in Nations League loss against Italy (UEFA.com)