Want to support the DutchNews podcast and keep up our stocks of stroopwafels and orange tompouces? Click here to become a Patreon backer

The election campaign moves into top gear with the first TV debate, Pieter Omtzigt’s manifesto launch and the first candidate to resign in disgrace for abusive tweeting. Mark Rutte meets Israeli and Palestinian leaders to discuss the conflict in Gaza, while safety concerns prompt the cancellation of a speech on genocide and a march commemorating Kristallnacht. The safety board criticises the government’s pandemic control plan for being too narrowly focused on healthcare and calls for better communication. The cricket team come down to earth with a crash against Australia. Maurice Steijn’s ill-starred reign as Ajax coach comes to an end. And a rare turtle that went even further off course than Ajax’s first team is said to be recovering well in Blijdorp.

Ophef of the week: Farmers’ party candidate quits the field over Nazi troll tweets

News

Parliament breaks up with 3.45am finish as election campaign begins

Everything to fight for: polls show election is still a three-horse race

NSC plans to set 50,000 limit on migration, raise minimum wage

Party watch: Pieter Omtzigt focuses on good governance

Rutte describes talks with Netanyahu over Gaza as ‘good but tough’

Genocide talk scrapped after threats, Jewish school closes again

Groningen synagogue cancels Kristallnacht as a precaution

Safety board criticises inflexible Dutch pandemic management

Rare sea turtle that strayed off course is doing well, zoo says

Sport

Dutch fall to heaviest ever World Cup defeat against Australia

Record-breaking Dutch edged out by clinical Sri Lanka

Feyenoord beat Lazio 3-1 to top Champions League group

PSV must win return clash with Lens after 1-1 draw, says Bosz

Steijn quits after dismal start to season leaves Ajax in disarray