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This week we do our best to explain how next week’s elections work (shout out to the water boards!), why the TV debates are between politicians who aren’t standing in them and why Mark Rutte is shadow boxing with a ‘leftist cloud’. Justice minister Dilan Yesilgöz is under pressure over failures in the crown witness protection system. The European Medicines Agency is displeased about the personal treatments Amsterdam city council plans to offer in its neighbourhood. In sport, there’s good news in athletics, football, skating, cycling and baseball. And we report on the exotic invaders who are accused of tearing up the neighbourhood, holding raucous parties and driving up your energy bill.

Ophef of the week: Viewers cry foul as Rutte gatecrashes tabloid talk show

News

Provincial elections: why climate change is raising the stakes for water authorities

Over 900,000 non-Dutch nationals can vote in the water board elections

• Here’s a vote compass (stemwijzer) to help you decide how to vote in the water board elections

MPs call for halt to crown witness protection programme in wake of damning report

Hospital workers to strike on March 16 as season of pay disputes continues

European Medicines Agency unhappy at Amsterdam’s plans for ‘super brothel’

Wrecker parakeets accused of pilfering insulation and driving up energy costs

Sport

Dutch team wins six medals at European Indoor Athletics championship

AZ win at Lazio to take step towards Conference League semi-finals

Golden girls: Dutch speed skaters dominate world championships

Netherlands beat Panama 2-0 in World Baseball Classic (MLB site)

NOS Sport senior editors to step down over bullying claims