Morning rail traffic collapsed after ProRail found metal tubes deliberately fastened to tracks at dozens of sites across the north, east and centre, with one train striking material in Overijssel. Police and AIVD opened investigations as cleared locations were reportedly re-sabotaged, while burning hay bales and a blocked road at Stroe pointed coverage toward farmer activists, though perpetrators remained unidentified.
Attention shifted to The Hague for Prinsjesdag, saved after the near-fall of Jetten’s minority cabinet. XR activists threw red paint on the Glass Coach route and were arrested, before the king called in the Troonrede to protect democracy, curb polarization and not delay nitrogen policy.
Finance Minister Heinen then offered the Miljoenennota as negotiable. Leaks detailed eigen risico toward €400, starter support and record defence spending, while the Council of State warned workers carried the burden and unions and opposition rejected the overture.