Dutch comedian Arjen Lubach has released a Disney parody that once again proves satire can cut sharper than any political speech.
On his show LUBACH, the host responded to the recent cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s American late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Hosted by Disney.
The network’s decision followed Kimmel’s biting comments on Monday about the murder of activist Charlie Kirk: “The MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”
The remark prompted President Trump to cheer on the cancellation.
The happiest place on earth (for Trump)
Lubach didn’t hold back. “Trump is trying to silence anyone who criticises him,” he told his audience, adding that major companies like Disney are “terrified of Trump.”
To underline his point, he rolled out a scathing Disney-themed satire that’s quickly being called one of his best sketches to date.
The parody reimagined beloved Disney classics through a Trump-tinted lens:
Timon and Pumba cheerfully belted out Hakuna MAGA-ta, a jab at Trump’s campaign slogan.
Belle’s father dropped disturbingly inappropriate comments about his daughter, skewering the president’s history of controversial remarks about women.
Aladdin found himself hauled away by ICE, a dark nod to Trump’s immigration policies.
The Dutch prison system is increasingly struggling with overcrowding — so much so that detainees are now being released two weeks earlier than their sentences officially end.
The Netherlands was earlier applauded after their prison populations decreased by more than 40% over a 20-year period. Yet in 2025, the situation is very different.
To relieve pressure, an emergency measure has allowed inmates to leave prison up to two weeks before their planned release. Officials are warning that prisoners may need to be released even earlier, reports the NOS.
Government warnings versus reality
The cabinet had insisted that exemptions should be used sparingly. However, the crisis is already so severe that every eligible prisoner will be able to take advantage of early release.
Of course, not all prisoners are eligible. They must have not had a penalty for more than a year or been convicted of a sex crime.
Backlogs and staff shortages
The problems run deeper than overcrowding. People sentenced to short terms who must report voluntarily are often not even being summoned, creating a growing backlog.
Staff shortages, combined with ongoing renovations, continue to plague the system. In the coming years, another 100 prison places will disappear, further worsening the situation.
An ongoing problem
Without change, emergency measures could be further instated, such as releasing prisoners even earlier than two weeks before their expected date.
The government has earmarked €25 million for prisons in the upcoming budget, with another €25 million to follow. Yet the prison system had requested €400 million — leaving a major gap in funding.
So, you’ve been seeing someone for six months, you go on dates regularly, and you’ve met each other’s friends… but are you actually dating?
If you’re in the Netherlands or dating a Dutchie, you’re probably scratching your head thinking: “Maybe? How the hell am I supposed to know?”
What is it?
You’re confused because many Dutch people go through several stages of dating before even thinking of any kind of serious commitment.
In the meantime, you’re left wondering how long you can tread the thin line between friends with benefits, a situationship, and a relationship.
It’s all very confusing, but this American TikToker has hit the nail on the head and identified three stages of Dutch dating that makes it just the tiniest bit clearer.
Here are the 3 stages of Dutch dating summed up, for those who are still confused:
The Scharrel: At this stage, you’re having loose, sexual relations with someone you’re friendly with. There are no real commitments on either side. It’s all fun and games!
The Prela: You can reach this level-up only after the Scharrel has proven successful. Feeling like you want to spend more time with each other? Maybe even go official, buy a nice gift for Valentine’s, or meet each other’s friends? Congrats, you’ve entered the pre-relationship phase.
The Rela: This is the hardest stage to reach and takes a lot out of a Dutchie. The Rela stage is nice because it doesn’t require meeting the other’s family or abstaining from seeing other people But who knows? Maybe you’ve found someone you really like, and you want to keep them around. Then an actual, committed relationship might be a good way to go.
Sex is no taboo subject in the Netherlands, and dating is not restricted by ideals of purity, abstinence or even monogamy. Without these societal pressures, there really is a lot of flexibility in the Dutch dating scene.
The Netherlands is also a very LGBTQ+ friendly country. Image: Depositphotos
What’s more, the Dutch are, in essence, very pragmatic and liberal people.
Why work your way up to the relationship stage if you can simply enjoy the freedom of the Scharrel or Prela? Valid question.
Why is it quirky?
As a single-ready-to-mingle in the Netherlands, entering the Dutch dating scene can be quite confusing.
This is true even for Dutchies, but even more so for people who are from more conservative countries and kissing for the first time marks the beginning of the relationship.
(This is really not the case in the Netherlands! 😉)
The upside? The Dutch are direct and good at telling you what they want and need! Just ask to clarify any unnecessary confusion.
Should you join in?
To be honest, you don’t have to!
Every Dutchie will understand if you’re not the friends-with-benefits kind of person. There are also single Nederlanders looking for a committed relationship.
On the flip side, if you know what you want and communicate it clearly, there really is no need for confusion at all.
Don’t forget, dating is meant to be fun! Even in the Netherlands.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Thanks to sky-high rents and limited availability in the Dutch housing market, more internationals are saying “doei!” to landlords and opting to buy homes instead.
If you came to the Netherlands planning to rent a place but ended up buying one, you’re not alone.
Buying is sometimes the only option
A study by the NVM (the Dutch Association of Realtors) found that 60% of internationals initially wanted to rent but felt pushed toward purchasing due to market factors.
In many cases, this decision is also more economical. With the 30% ruling boosting many expats’ borrowing power, buying beats renting for those planning to stay in the Netherlands for longer than three years.
In many neighbourhoods, high-earning expats are outcompeting the Dutch for the same properties. Image: Depositphotos
This extra money also gives internationals a leg up when it comes to buying a home, with many willing and able to offer a bid above the asking price.
According to the study, the average purchase price in neighbourhoods popular with expats is €591,000. That’s about €16,000 higher than the average purchase price offered by other buyers.
Where international buyers are making an impact
Of course, certain regions in the Netherlands are more popular for aspiring expat homeowners than others.
For example, nearly 50-60% of all home buyers in some neighbourhoods of Eindhoven and Veldhoven are internationals, while 75% of Hoofddorp’s Hyde Park project is owned by expats.
New flight tax increases announced on Prinsjesdag (Budget Day) will make Dutch airports the most expensive in the entire European Union, with families facing an extra €200 or more for long-haul holidays.
It looks like the Netherlands is officially pricing itself out of the skies.
While other European countries keep their aviation taxes modest, the Dutch government is going full throttle on what critics call a misguided environmental policy that’s more likely to send travellers to Belgian and German airports than reduce emissions.
The eye-watering numbers
The current flight tax (vliegbelasting) has risen by 2.9% to €30.25 per person in 2025. But the real shock comes in 2027 when long-haul flight taxes jump by €50 to €70 per ticket.
For a family of four planning that dream trip to New York or Bangkok, this means at least €200 extra in taxes alone, according to AD.
Compare this to Belgium, where families pay a maximum flight tax of €10 per flight, and you understand why KLM CEO Marjan Rintel is sounding the alarms.
Border-hopping becomes the norm
But here’s the delicious Dutch irony: a policy designed to reduce emissions is encouraging more car journeys.
Research by KLM shows 74% of Dutch travellers will now consider driving to Belgian or German airports if prices keep rising.
With cheaper ticket prices elsewhere, more travellers will likely ditch Schiphol for Belgian or German airports. Image: Depositphotos
“This doesn’t help the climate,” Rintel tells AD.
Of course, it’s KLM pointing this out, but she’s right. When families can save hundreds by driving two hours to Brussels, the environmental maths looks questionable.
And, although the government plans to raise €1.1 billion annually by 2027, not a cent goes toward making aviation more sustainable. It all flows into the general treasury, whilst 87% of Dutch people think the money should make flying greener.
What this means for internationals
If you’re an expat, this hits particularly hard. Unlike locals with extensive train networks, you depend on flights to visit family abroad.
The tax structure especially punishes long-haul flights, affecting internationals who travel greater distances to see family in Asia or the Americas, for example.
However, smart money is already eyeing Brussels Airport or Düsseldorf as alternatives, despite the travel hassle.
Will you join the exodus to foreign airports, or pay the premium to fly from the Netherlands? Share your travel strategy in the comments.
Are you flying to or from Schiphol with KLM in the coming weeks? Brace yourself, because delays and cancellations could be on the horizon.
Due to today’s union strike for KLM ground staff, thousands of passengers are seeing their flights delayed or cancelled.
However, things are about to get even more chaotic at Schiphol, as KLM ground staff have announced a second strike for next Wednesday, September 24.
This will be followed by an eight-hour stoppage on the following Wednesday (October 1), with the promise of further action if KLM’s management refuses to meet their demands.
Is my KLM flight going to be affected?
In September, these disruptions will affect both domestic and international flights, primarily between the hours of 8 AM and 12 PM (CEST). On October 1, the disruptions will last even longer — from 6 AM to 2 PM.
If you’ve got a flight booked for any of the affected days, the airline warns that you “may be impacted on this date and on the days before and after.”
While there’s no guarantee that your flight is going to be affected, it’s best to stay prepared. KLM advises checking your flight status on the KLM app or My Trip and ensuring that you have push notifications turned on.
Good to know: You can also check current and future flight statuses on Schiphol’s website. These are the expected arrivals and departures for all KLM flights on September 24.
As thousands of passengers are currently affected, rebooking flights may take longer than usual. Therefore, if you’ve got a tight connection or important meetings to attend, you may want to consider alternatives like the train or using a different airline.
Why are KLM flights being cancelled?
With these strikes, the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV) is protesting what they view as KLM’s unequal pay distribution, inadequate protection for vulnerable employees, and the lack of balance between permanent and fixed contracts (among other issues).
“We find it incredibly frustrating for the passengers,” FNV director John Dorland admits, “but management is giving us no other option than to strike.”
After a stormy start to the week with umbrellas flipping inside out and temperatures struggling to reach 17 degrees Celsius, the Netherlands will get a brief but glorious taste of summer.
According to Weeronline, although this Wednesday will still be cold and rainy, from Thursday onwards the skies will begin to brighten.
The south could enjoy temperatures of up to 24 degrees Celsius, while the north basks in a solid 20 degrees.
It’s summer again…
But the real treat comes on Friday and Saturday morning: dry, sunny weather with late-summer warmth.
Expect 23 degrees Celsius in the north and highs of 25 to 27 degrees in the centre and southern regions. With a peak of 28 degrees in Limburg, it’s the perfect excuse for a terrace drink or a spontaneous bike ride.
But don’t pack away your rain gear just yet, though.
Blink, and it’s gone
Although Saturday morning is set to remain sunny, come afternoon, there’s a big chance of showers from the west.
With wages rising faster than inflation, the Dutch government has predicted that you’ll receive a slight increase in purchasing power: on average, around 1.3%.
While that may not sound particularly exciting, the silver lining will be lower taxes. If you’re in the first tax bracket, you’ll see both a lower tax rate and an increase in your earned tax credits (i.e. deductions from your calculated income tax).
More affordable housing and rental benefits
If you’re sick and tired of the Dutch housing shortage, there’s some good news coming your way!
Thanks to the government’s Realisation Incentive Scheme, a whopping €330 million has now been allocated for the construction of more affordable housing in 2026. This will include both owner-occupied and rental housing.
With more funding to spend on affordable housing, the Dutch government hopes to make a dent in the housing crisis. Image: Depositphotos
In addition to this, lower-income households with rent exceeding €900.07 per month will be eligible for housing benefits from 2026 onwards.
More expensive long-haul flights
Let op: your flight tickets could get even pricier, with the cabinet planning to adjust flight tax by January 1, 2027.
In particular, the government is planning to increase taxes for flights over longer distances.
At present, the current flight tax sits at €29.40 per passenger, irrespective of the flight’s distance. However, from 2027 onwards, the proposed rates may increase to:
€29.40 for short flights
€47.24 for medium-haul flights
€70.86 for long-haul flights
What are short, medium-haul, and long-haul flights?
The government defines short flights as those within the EU and “up to approximately 2,000 kilometres from Amsterdam.”
A medium-haul flight, on the other hand, is approximately 2,000 to 5,500 kilometres. Meanwhile, a long-haul flight is any flight that exceeds 5,500 kilometres from Amsterdam.
With ticket prices on the rise, will we see more people catching flights from neighbouring countries? Image: Depositphotos
However, this proposed tax hike won’t apply to the Caribbean Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius) or countries to which the Netherlands has special ties. The full list is available in Dutch here.
Higher health insurance premiums
With total healthcare expenditure predicted to hit €114.1 billion in 2026, it looks like our healthcare isn’t going to get any cheaper.
Here’s a brief rundown of the cabinet’s plans:
Health insurance premiums will rise by €3, to an average of €159 per month
Healthcare allowance will be capped at €131 per month
Meanwhile, your deductible or eigen risico will remain €385
Higher tax discount on your energy bill
In their Budget Memorandum, the government notes that they want to “ensure that the transition to sustainable energy remains affordable for households.”
As such, they plan to introduce a larger discount on your energy bill from 2026, to the tune of €529.10 (excluding VAT).
This amount will be automatically deducted from your energy bill, and isn’t dependent on the amount of gas or electricity you use.
More accessible childcare for working parents
The cabinet is taking several bold new steps towards “almost free childcare” for working parents.
If you’re a pair of working parents with a combined yearly income of up to approximately €55,000, you could be looking at a reimbursement rate of 96% on your childcare allowance.
Do you have a combined income higher than €55,000? You’ll likely receive an even higher reimbursement rate.
By 2027, many working households could be looking at “almost free” childcare. Image: Freepik
Further, come 2027, the government will look into increasing the childcare allowance even further, with the end goal of “making childcare almost free for middle-income earners with a combined income of almost twice the modal income.”
These changes will be implemented to offset the rise in childcare expenses, with increases in the maximum hourly rate for daycare, after-school care, and childcare costs:
Type of care
2025 rates
2026 rates
Daycare
€10.71
€11.23
After-school care
€9.52
€9.98
Childcare
€8.10
€8.49
More funding for women’s shelters
With increasing incidents of violence against women in the Netherlands, women’s shelters are a non-negotiable. At present, there are often insufficient places in these shelters — an issue the Dutch government plans to remedy.
Starting from 2026, €12 million will be allocated annually for the creation of additional women’s shelters.
Picture this; the wonderful dinner party you’ve been lucky enough to attend at a Dutch person’s house has just ended, and you’re on your way home.
You climb into the taxi, and say goodbye — but your host is still standing at the doorway, waving, waving, waving…
You pause, uncertain if they need something. Perhaps you forgot your coat? But no, it’s an endless wave of goodbye.
In fact, you’re not sure exactly when they will stop waving as the taxi pulls around the corner, and they’re still there, shouting doei!
Legend has it, they’re still waving to this day.
What is it?
Well, it’s a part of Dutch culture. Amongst other funny social quirks, the Dutch also take a long, long time to say goodbye at the end of the night.
You’ll often see it in Amsterdam; a group of Dutch people breaking up after an evening of casual drinks, all waving to each other as they wander off their separate ways.
Alternatively, a Dutch oma waving goodbye to her grandkids from the front garden, lovingly watching them be carted off until the next time they visit — and steal all of her hagelslag.
Have they disappeared from the garden? Been packed into the car? Driven down the street? Halfway to France? Oma is still there, dutifully waving because that’s the Dutch way.
Why do they do it?
Perhaps for the same reason, Dutch people like to leave their curtains open, or shake hands with every person they meet; it’s just a Dutch custom.
Many parts of Dutch culture have been heavily influenced by Dutch history and its connection to Calvinism.
Although it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason why the Dutch seem to be so overly enthusiastic about waving goodbye, one could presume it is due to a long history of maintaining relationships.
With so many people living in one relatively small country (which, to many internationals, seems to be floating on water 99% of the time), it has also been important for Dutch people to maintain good relationships with their neighbours.
That’s also why the toilet birthday calendar exists — god forbid you forget someone’s verjaardag.
Even when being served, Dutch people take ages to say goodbye. Image: Depositphotos
Plus, we have to say, it does feel extra caring knowing that someone is making such a big effort to say goodbye.
Surely, that means they enjoyed hanging out with you and are sorry to see you go. 👋😭
Why is it quirky?
Let’s compare this to other cultures where it’s more common to disappear without saying goodbye than it is to spend ages waving people off.
Take the example of the ‘Irish Goodbye’. Instead of saying goodbye at all, it’s more common for people to simply leave without saying anything, and maybe send a belated goodbye text after departure.
And, if you think about it, the idea of someone spending ten extra minutes waving goodbye is rather quirky indeed. 🥴
Should you join in?
For sure!
The next time you attend a gathering with some Dutch people, test it out. You can see who can spend the most time waving goodbye, as you each get smaller and smaller and disappear into the horizon. 👀
Or, introduce it to your international friends and confuse them by shouting doei as they leave the house, cross the street, get onto the bus, sit down, and ride off into the distance… 👋
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Thinking of buying a home in the Netherlands but feeling completely overwhelmed by the Dutch housing market? You’re not alone, and help is coming your way.
Picture this: you’re scrolling through Funda, dreaming of your perfect Dutch home, when reality hits. Mortgages, notaris (notary) appointments, taxatie reports.
Suddenly, you’re drowning in unfamiliar terms and processes that make zero sense. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this maze alone.
Welocate and ABN AMRO are joining forces to host a free housing webinar designed specifically for expats who want to buy a home in the Netherlands.
What’s actually covered?
The webinar walks you through the entire home-buying journey step by step, from understanding how Dutch mortgages actually work to that final moment when you’re signing papers at the notaris.
The session is tailored specifically for internationals, meaning they’ll address those burning questions you’ve been too embarrassed to ask.
Like why everyone keeps mentioning this mysterious taxatie and whether you really need to understand all those Dutch banking terms.
Whether you’re just starting to consider buying or you’re already knee-deep in Funda listings, Welocate’s webinar promises to bring you up to speed with guidance from industry experts who actually know what they’re talking about.
The nitty-gritty details
Let’s get to the practical stuff:
💶 Cost: Absolutely free (yes, really).
🙅♀️ Commitment: Zero obligation. You can attend, learn, and leave.
🔍 Focus: The complete A-Z of buying property in the Netherlands.
🧑🤝🧑 Audience: Designed specifically for expats navigating unfamiliar territory.
👩🏻💼 Hosts: Welocate and ABN AMRO — two names you can actually trust in this industry.
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how the Dutch property market works and, more importantly, the confidence to make informed decisions without second-guessing every move.
Why should you attend?
Buying a home anywhere is stressful, but doing it in a foreign country where you don’t fully grasp the language or the system? That’s next-level overwhelming.
The Dutch housing market has its own quirks, rules, and cultural expectations that can trip up even the most prepared expat. Understanding these nuances isn’t just helpful, it’s essential if you want to avoid costly mistakes or missed opportunities.
Sign me up! What do I need to know?
Ready to tackle the beast that is the Dutch housing market? Great. Here’s what you need to know. 👇
📍 Where? Online
⏰ When? October 7, 2025, from 3 PM until 4 PM
🤔 How? Easy, you can sign up for free on Welocate’s website using this link.
Have you bought a house in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
