Actors, writers and journalists to discuss VAT increase on Monday

Well-known actors, writers, and journalists will go to the Tweede Kamer on Monday to attend the committee meeting on the proposed VAT increase on culture, books, and newspapers. Actors Huub Stapel, Gijs Scholten van Aschat, Jeangu Macrooy, and comedian Sanne Wallis de Vries are among those present to convince the financial spokespeople of the parties that the VAT increase is not a good idea.

The meeting will also be attended by writers Ted van Lieshout, Tommy Wieringa, Kluun, Saskia Noort, and Simone van der Vlugt. Among those present on behalf of the media are the editors-in-chief Kamran Ullah of De Telegraaf and Rennie Rijpma of AD.

Unions and organizations from various sectors have been joining forces for weeks to protest against the intended VAT increase on culture, books, sports, and hotel stays, among other things. They point out that "raising taxes on culture, sports, books, media, accommodation and events is a disastrous path. The Dutch do not want it, the opposition parties do not want it and the Senate does not want it. The consequences of the VAT increase are harmful to the Netherlands and irreversible."

Trade unions and organizations from various sectors have been protesting together for weeks against the planned VAT increase, including on culture, books, sports, and hotel accommodation. They point out that “the increase in taxes on culture, sport, books, media, accommodation and events is a dead end. The Dutch do not want it, the opposition parties do not want it and the Senate does not want it. The consequences of the VAT increase are harmful to the Netherlands and irreversible”.

Furthermore, cultural organizations in the Netherlands warn that a VAT increase will have a “significant negative impact” on well-being, prosperity, reading skills, and employment. “Every Dutch person will feel the VAT increase in their wallet. Whether you love museums, visit concerts, play sports, read books, or have a subscription to a newspaper, everything will be more expensive,” said Astrid Weij, director of Kunsten ’92 back in September.

The action follows the news that the opposition in the Tweede Kamer has been unable to find an alternative to the intended VAT increase. D66 MP Hans Vijlbrief said he had made more than ten other proposals without success and accused the coalition parties of a lack of courage.