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.

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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)