Week in review: November 30-December 6

The round-up of some of this week’s most noteworthy events and news stories features the storm on 'pakjesavond', an "innocent" kiss that put Onno Hoes in the spotlight, KLM's ongoing fight to reach an agreement with its union, and new threats against "pig" Wilders.Ever since the assassination of Theo van Gogh, Wilders has lived under police protection. The politician bravely advances in his attempts to prove how dangerous the Islam is, causing him to be a constant target. Sinterklaas fighting the wind in Amsterdam's Zeeburg neighbourhood (photo: Zack Newmark) KLM's plans to transfer flights within Europe to KLM Cityhopper did not sit well with the Union and negotiations halted. Parties are still trying to find common ground, but the Union is planning actions in case things don't go well. Mayor of Maastricht Onno Hoes was caught on camera, kissing another man in a hotel lobby. The mayor, and his husband, RTL Boulevard host, Albert Verlinde, were put in the spotlight because of this. Wednesday the KNMI predicted a windstorm to pass over the northern part of Europe, including the Netherlands. On "pakjesavond", when Sinterklaas is celebrated, the storm became so forceful, it reminded of the 1953 storm, when a dam breach in Zeeland cost many lives. Early on the railways announced to cancel all train traffic to the northern provinces. Groningen Central Station was a picture of "chaos," of people trying to figure out how to get home. KLM canceled Thursday's flights as a precaution. The wintry weather caused millions in damage, and several cities were flooded, among them, Rotterdam. As the day progressed the KNMI upgraded the warning from an orange to red. The stormy conditions affected all traffic. Well into Friday the ferry services were operating on an amended timetable, because of extreme high water. The fire department received thousands of storm damage calls, and had their hands full. Check out NL Times for the rest of the new and stories this week.