November
On November 1st, Dutch media continued to analyze the recent election results, with early reports from Het Parool and de Volkskrant discussing the implications for the new cabinet and the democratic landscape. NRC detailed how D66 expanded its voter base across various parties.

Later in the morning, de Volkskrant highlighted an ongoing genocide in El Fasher, while Trouw questioned the future of professional football in Zeeland.

The afternoon saw NRC and Trouw further examining the challenges faced by NSC and the complexities of D66's victory for religious voters. Concerns about the IND's methods for verifying LGBTQI+ asylum seekers' identities were also raised.

In the evening, Trouw reported on Wilders questioning election results, echoing Donald Trump, a development labeled "worrying." Het Parool covered local football with Ajax drawing, and NRC discussed China's influence on censorship in Thailand.
Dutch media on November 2nd continued to analyze national political implications following the elections, with Trouw focusing on Rob Jetten's task of unifying the country and D66's potential shifts. De Volkskrant challenged perceptions of rising youth crime and, later in the day, reported on a water shortage in Utrecht due to bacterial contamination. A significant theme was the declining availability of student housing, with NRC detailing unfulfilled construction promises in Delft and Het Parool noting students moving to Utrecht.

Internationally, there was notable coverage of US politics, including Trump's threats against Nigeria (NRC) and the reliance of US officials on food aid during a shutdown (de Volkskrant). NRC also reported on a new Dutch minister's abrupt halt to a migrant worker plan, raising questions about lobby influence. Additionally, reports highlighted the ongoing use of Western equipment in Russian weaponry (Trouw) and financial challenges faced by foreign investors in Chinese real estate (Het Financieele Dagblad).
Dutch media on November 3rd focused heavily on the passing of actor and presenter Joost Prinsen at 83, with multiple outlets reporting his death and reflecting on his career throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Concurrently, the political landscape continued to develop. Jesse Klaver was announced as the new leader of GroenLinks-PvdA in the morning. By the late afternoon and evening, the ongoing vote count from the national elections saw D66 extend its lead over PVV, particularly after the counting of absentee and foreign ballots, with some reports suggesting a potential additional seat for D66. This continues the trend of D66's electoral strength from previous days.

Separately, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced a 2.6 billion investment in a new factory in the Netherlands, a significant economic development.
Dutch media on November 4th primarily focused on the cabinet formation, which commenced with Wouter Koolmees being appointed as the 'verkenner' (explorer) to lead the process (Metro Nieuws, NRC, Trouw). This follows days of analysis regarding election results and potential coalition paths. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, headlines detailed the initial challenges Koolmees faced, as party leaders, particularly Rob Jetten (D66) and Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD), expressed differing views on coalition partners. The appointment of Koolmees solidified the start of the official formation process, which media outlets highlighted as a complex and difficult endeavor from its outset.
Dutch media on November 5th began the day focusing on the ongoing US government shutdown and local election results, with reports highlighting Democratic victories and California's electoral map changes. However, by mid-morning, the narrative shifted significantly to European affairs. EU countries reached an agreement on a watered-down climate goal for 2040, a development widely reported across multiple outlets. This story continued to dominate headlines through the early afternoon, emphasizing the concessions made during the marathon negotiations. Later in the afternoon and evening, attention also turned to the ongoing challenges of Dutch cabinet formation, with D66 and VVD expressing differing preferences, and international police operations leading to arrests in a subscription fraud investigation.
Dutch media on November 6th initially highlighted ongoing issues in youth care and shortcomings in Amsterdam's reporting system for inappropriate behavior. International news included Russia's advance on Pokrovsk and drug violence in Mexico. By late morning, economic concerns emerged with Air France-KLM's stock drop and a cooling Amsterdam housing market, alongside Europe's dependence on US online payments. The afternoon saw a significant shift in sports news, as Ajax dismissed coach John Heitinga and assistant Marcel Keizer, a story dominating multiple outlets. Concurrently, discussions about the Gaza truce and the challenges of cabinet formation continued, with smaller parties declining participation.
Dutch media on November 7th primarily focused on the ongoing cabinet formation, which saw little progress despite initial talks. In the morning, reports highlighted the final parliamentary election results, confirming D66 as the largest party and PVV with an equal number of seats. Concurrently, discussions continued regarding Belgium's drone threat and the potential for a strategic alliance between government and businesses. By early afternoon, attention shifted back to the cabinet formation, with various outlets noting the continued stalemate between parties, particularly the VVD's reluctance to form a coalition with GL-PvdA and D66's aversion to JA21. The Nexperia chip crisis, however, showed signs of nearing a resolution. Later in the day, news reiterated that Wouter Koolmees's efforts to bring opposing parties together remained unsuccessful, and the time for a resolution was pressing.
Dutch media on November 8th largely maintained its focus on the protracted cabinet formation, echoing the stalemate from previous days. Early reports from NRC and Het Parool highlighted social issues, such as the health crisis among young people due to vaping and challenges faced by young parents in Amsterdam. By late morning, attention returned to the political deadlock, with de Volkskrant detailing the VVD's continued blocking of a coalition with GL-PvdA. Later, international economic news emerged with Elon Musk's bonus package and Wall Street concerns, alongside allegations of Dutch components in Russian rockets (Het Financieele Dagblad, NRC). The evening saw renewed discussions about the financial situation of the VVD and continued reporting on the US government shutdown.
Dutch media on November 9th diversified its focus, moving from the protracted coalition talks of previous days to a mix of international and social issues. Morning reports covered the UN climate conference kickoff and ongoing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Domestically, there was a focus on the five-year disappearance of Rodney Doevendans and the continued gatherings of the Den Uyl cabinet members. By early afternoon, attention shifted to international developments, including a new Russian jet-powered bomb threatening Ukraine and a Chanukah concert controversy. Later in the day, the conflict in Ukraine was framed as a "game" by some reports, while other news highlighted an impressive documentary about Lale Gül and a dispute over tax assessment authority. The evening concluded with reports on Kristallnacht commemorations, a Lady Gaga concert, and protests in Utrecht regarding Sudan.
Dutch media on November 10th continued to foreground the stalled cabinet formation. Morning reports highlighted the impact of a weaker dollar on Dutch funds and the nascent drone industry. However, the ongoing political deadlock quickly re-emerged as a central theme, with Trouw noting the silence of the 'kingmaker' CDA, a party critical to resolving the impasse.

As the day progressed, the focus intensified on the formation, with Jetten emphasizing the need for substantive plans before selecting coalition partners. Evening reports from NRC further underscored the deep-seated mutual blockades among party leaders, who, despite the lack of progress, did not perceive themselves as the problem. Late in the evening, Verkenner Koolmees's inclination towards a 'motor block' coalition, with or without the VVD, suggested a potential shift in strategy.
Dutch media on November 11th focused heavily on the ongoing challenges in cabinet formation. Morning reports from de Volkskrant indicated Verkenner Koolmees was considering a strategic, potentially risky, method by initially involving Jetten and Bontenbal, with Yesilgöz joining later. This was seen as an effort to break the impasse noted in previous days' summaries.

The afternoon saw further developments, with NRC and de Volkskrant reporting that Koolmees advised D66 and CDA to independently examine the formation, marking a departure from previous strategies and notably excluding the VVD from initial talks. This decision by Koolmees to pursue an “unusual” approach, tasking D66 and CDA with navigating the coalition, reflects the persistent difficulties in forming a government, a consistent theme in Dutch media over the past week.
Dutch media on November 12th continued its strong focus on the ongoing cabinet formation. Early reports analyzed election results, highlighting a fragmented political landscape. The afternoon saw significant developments as 55 new members were sworn into the House of Representatives, reinforcing the evolving political scene. By late afternoon, D66 and CDA proposed Hans Wijers and Sybrand Buma as informateurs to guide the next phase of coalition talks, marking a concrete step forward after days of impasse. Concurrently, the impending demolition of the village of Moerdijk garnered increasing attention throughout the day, becoming a prominent domestic story.
Dutch media on November 13th continued its intense focus on cabinet formation. Early reports addressed the composition of the new House of Representatives and the initial healthcare premiums for 2026. By mid-morning, attention shifted to the potential impact of mortgage interest deduction changes and ASN Bank's job cuts. The afternoon saw significant developments as informateur Hans Wijers faced scrutiny for past remarks about Yesilgöz and the VVD, leading to discussions about the risks of a four-party coalition. By evening, Wijers publicly apologized for his "inappropriate" comments, asserting he would not step down, amidst ongoing questions about his credibility. This continued the narrative from previous days regarding the challenges in forming a new government.
Dutch media on November 14th focused intensely on Informateur Hans Wijers. Early reports covered a significant earthquake in Groningen, one of the strongest recorded, causing widespread concern. However, by late morning, the narrative shifted dramatically to Wijers's position. Following previous days' discussions about his credibility, Wijers resigned as informateur in the early afternoon due to newly revealed private app messages, where he referred to VVD-leader Dilan Yesilgöz as 'that shrew of the VVD'. This development marked a swift end to his brief tenure, with Sybrand Buma continuing alone. The Groningen earthquake, despite its severity and damage reports, became a secondary story as the political scandal dominated headlines throughout the day.
Dutch media on November 15th extensively covered the annual Sinterklaas arrival on Texel. Early reports noted weather conditions causing changes to the arrival location and cold temperatures. This continued to dominate headlines through the morning and early afternoon, with several outlets reporting on the event despite adverse weather and minor mishaps. Concurrently, reports emerged about Mathias's death after taking online-ordered 'benzo' and escalating disputes involving Nexperia. By mid-afternoon, attention began to shift towards international issues, specifically the escalating conflict in Sudan and the challenges for Dutch citizens in dangerous countries. As the day progressed, a major fire and evacuation at a residential care center in Tilburg became a prominent local story, alongside discussions about new rules for amateur divers and the potential for future global trade instability due to Trump.
Dutch media on November 16th initially reported on the UK's stricter asylum policies and the ongoing presence of Dutch military in Bosnia. By late morning and early afternoon, attention shifted domestically, with Martin Bosma's bid for Speaker of the House becoming a prominent story, alongside a renewed focus on the unresolved issues of labor migrant exploitation, five years after the Roemer report. The discussion around the speaker's position continued throughout the day, with three candidates emerging. Concurrently, reports on the Epstein affair leading to Republican dissent against Donald Trump also gained traction, maintaining international attention.
Dutch media on November 17 initially tracked ongoing political discussions and Donald Trump's call for the release of Epstein dossiers. By midday, a major shift occurred as the public prosecutor's investigation into deaths linked to illegal medicines from the webshop Funcaps escalated, with reports of 27 then 49 deaths. This story dominated the afternoon, with specific cases highlighted and NRC linking the webshop to at least 45 deaths.

Concurrently, Trump's sudden pivot to support the release of Epstein files remained a consistent, prominent international story throughout the day across multiple outlets. Towards evening, the UN Security Council's agreement on a Gaza peace plan and international task force also gained significant attention.
Dutch media on November 18 focused heavily on the election for Speaker of the House. Early reports highlighted Martin Bosma's bid as both popular and controversial. As the day progressed, the vote became a central theme, with three candidates vying for the position.

By late afternoon and early evening, the election climaxed with Thom van Campen (VVD) ultimately being chosen as the new Speaker, notably becoming the youngest ever at 35. His victory over Martin Bosma (PVV) and his stated goal to de-escalate parliamentary debate were widely reported across various outlets.
Dutch media on November 19 focused on Minister Karremans' decision to suspend intervention at chipmaker Nexperia, widely interpreted as a goodwill gesture towards China. This followed earlier reports on the US Congress's agreement to release Epstein dossiers (AD.nl) and Curaçao's historic World Cup qualification (NOS, de Volkskrant).

The Karremans-Nexperia development dominated mid-morning coverage, with several outlets highlighting the 'constructive meetings' with China. By early afternoon, reports also noted Poland's deployment of troops after rail sabotage (NOS) and ongoing concerns about Chinese espionage via LinkedIn (De Telegraaf).

In the evening, the focus shifted to a reported secret Trump-Russia peace plan for Ukraine (De Telegraaf, Reformatorisch Dagblad), while Brussels' increasingly open 'war language' was also noted (Trouw). Domestically, the Moerdijk municipal council voted to dissolve the village, despite protests (NOS, RTL Nieuws, NRC).
Dutch media on November 20 heavily focused on a proposed US-Russian peace plan for Ukraine. Early reports from RTL Nieuws and AD.nl mentioned a potential plan, while NOS and NRC elaborated that Kyiv might need to cede territory. By mid-morning, de Volkskrant and AD.nl specified the plan's details, including Ukraine giving up Donbas and halving its military, with Russian becoming an official language. While concerns about ICT issues at the Public Prosecution Service (NRC) and Rico Verhoeven's abdication as kickboxing champion (AD.nl, De Telegraaf) were also covered, the Ukraine peace plan remained central. In the evening, Zelensky's willingness to discuss the 28-point plan with the US and Russia was reported by AD.nl and NOS, indicating a critical development.
Dutch media on November 21 consistently highlighted the proposed US-Russian peace plan for Ukraine. Early reports from de Volkskrant and De Telegraaf detailed the 28-point plan, with many sources noting largely negative initial reactions. By late morning and early afternoon, the Dutch Defense Minister expressed significant skepticism, and concerns emerged in the House of Representatives regarding a potential American acquisition of a DigiD partner. Throughout the day, Kyiv's rejection of the plan became a central theme, with Ukraine proposing alternatives and facing increased pressure from the US. The ongoing COP29 climate summit also continued to draw attention, with reports of challenges and disagreements regarding fossil fuel phase-out. The Netherlands is also set to co-host a summit with Colombia on phasing out fossil fuels.
Dutch media on November 22 continued its focus on the US-Russia peace plan for Ukraine. Early reports detailed Donald Trump's 28 steps towards peace, with ongoing discussion about its implications. Concurrently, Minister Karremans' early doubts about the Nexperia intervention were highlighted. The G20 summit faced cancellations and a US boycott, with its impact on the peace plan noted. By midday, reports confirmed that Ukraine and the US would discuss a "framework for peace" in Switzerland, with Europe also joining the talks later in the evening. Separately, drone sightings over Volkel airbase led to Defense forces deploying weapons, and a climate summit deal in Brazil received mixed reactions due to the lack of a fossil fuel phase-out plan.
Dutch media on November 23 heavily focused on the evolving discussions around a peace plan for Ukraine. Early reports from the previous day's climate summit in Brazil highlighted disappointment over the lack of a fossil fuel phase-out plan, a recurring theme from earlier in the week. By late morning, Formula 1 news detailed the disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Las Vegas, impacting Max Verstappen's championship chances. Concurrently, drone sightings at Eindhoven Airport and Volkel airbase continued, with Defense acknowledging "weapon deployment" against potential hostile drones. The primary narrative, however, shifted in the afternoon to a proposed European alternative to the US-Russia peace plan for Ukraine, aiming to address Kyiv's concerns and secure NATO protection. This proposal gained traction through the evening, with reports of progress in negotiations.
Dutch media on November 24 continued its focus on the evolving Ukraine peace plan. In the morning, reports indicated the White House and Ukraine were collaborating on an adjusted peace plan, with European countries also working to bring Trump to their side amidst a US-Russia proposal. Europe then presented a counter-proposal to the American plan, emphasizing a decision-making voice in peace discussions.

By early afternoon, "important steps" were noted in Geneva negotiations, though Ukrainian concerns about the lack of a war-stopping guarantee remained. A new US-Ukraine 19-point plan was later reported to be in the works, shifting discussions to Trump's involvement and potential Russian rejection.
Dutch media on November 25 primarily focused on the ongoing murder trial of 17-year-old Lisa. Morning reports detailed the suspect's alleged actions, including returning to the scene after an initial attack and her 112 call (Het Parool, RTL Nieuws, De Telegraaf).

Later in the day, the court proceedings revealed more facts about the incident (NRC), with the prosecution stating the suspect attacked her twice (NOS). Media also highlighted the suspect's silence on the allegations and his claim of memory loss (De Telegraaf, Het Parool).

Concurrently, reports emerged on ABN Amro's plans to cut thousands of jobs, significantly impacting its workforce (AD.nl, Het Financieele Dagblad, NOS, RTL Nieuws). Separately, Russia and the US were reported to be discussing a peace plan for Ukraine in Abu Dhabi (NOS, NRC).
Dutch media on November 26 reported a shooting incident near the White House in Washington D.C. Early reports in the evening indicated National Guard members were injured and a suspect apprehended, leading to a lockdown (NRC, RTL Nieuws).

As the evening progressed, the situation intensified, with some outlets stating two National Guard soldiers had died (NRC, Reformatorisch Dagblad, NOS), while others continued to report them in critical condition after being ambushed (AD.nl, RTL Nieuws). Separately, the death toll from the Hong Kong flat fires continued to escalate throughout the day, reaching 36 dead and 279 missing by evening (AD.nl, NOS, RTL Nieuws).
Dutch media on November 27 continued to heavily report on the shooting incident near the White House. Early morning reports confirmed two National Guard reservists were in critical condition (AD.nl, Trouw, Reformatorisch Dagblad). By early afternoon, some outlets stated two people were confirmed dead (Metro Nieuws), while others maintained the reservists were still in critical condition. Concurrently, the escalating death toll from the Hong Kong flat fires remained a prominent story, with initial reports of 44 deaths and hundreds missing (RTL Nieuws, de Volkskrant), later rising to 55 by mid-morning (RTL Nieuws). Three arrests were made in connection with the catastrophic fire (NOS, RTL Nieuws). Separately, news emerged of two-year prison sentences for individuals planning an attack on the Eurovisie Songfestival in Rotterdam (NOS, Het Parool).
Dutch media on November 28 continued to focus on the shooting incident in Washington D.C. Early morning reports confirmed the death of one National Guard member, with another in critical condition (NOS, RTL Nieuws, AD.nl). This follows previous days' reports of injuries and escalating casualties near the White House.

Later in the morning, attention shifted to Ukrainian politics, with reports of a house search at the residence of President Zelensky's chief of staff, Jermak, due to corruption allegations (NOS, RTL Nieuws). By the afternoon, Dutch outlets widely reported Jermak's resignation amidst the scandal, impacting ongoing peace negotiations (AD.nl, NOS, NRC, RTL Nieuws, de Volkskrant).

Concurrently, a significant domestic development was the cabinet's decision to halt gas extraction under the Wadden Sea near Ternaard, buying out NAM for 163 million euros (NOS, NRC, RTL Nieuws, de Volkskrant), a decision welcomed by some as a long-awaited environmental victory (Trouw).
Dutch media on November 29 reported extensively on US President Trump's declaration of Venezuelan airspace as "closed" (NOS, NRC, RTL Nieuws, de Volkskrant). Early afternoon reports detailed the potential reasons for Trump to escalate attacks on land, amidst a broader psychological war against Venezuelan leader Maduro (NRC). This marks a significant shift from previous days' focus on the US National Guard casualties and Ukrainian political developments. By evening, Venezuela reacted strongly, calling Trump's warning a "colonial threat" (NOS, RTL Nieuws, AD.nl).

Concurrently, reports continued on the health risks of counterfeit oxycodone pills, with eight deaths linked to them and a second webshop facing legal action (AD.nl, NOS, RTL Nieuws). Earlier in the day, the US immigration service temporarily halted asylum applications following an attack on the National Guard.
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