Regional newspapers are asking the government to remove the VAT increase

Chief editors of regional newspapers are calling on the cabinet and coalition parties to cancel the planned VAT increase on the news media. An open letter has been published on the front page titles of all seven regional newspapers asking the cabinet and the coalition parties to withdraw the VAT increase from 9 to 21 percent.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives may vote on an increase in VAT on the news media, among other things. “The VAT increase then threatens to become a reality, without the cabinet and the coalition parties PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB having taken into account the consequences of the higher tax on access to reliable news, media pluralism and activism. regional and local democracy,” the editors-in-chief write.

They believe that as a result of an increase in VAT, many fewer readers will be able to afford a subscription. The editors-in-chief therefore expect big results for regional reporting. “Will we soon have enough journalists to cover the city council and critically follow local policy makers?” “Can we still do investigative stories on big issues in the area? “

In their front page appeal, the editors-in-chief emphasize that all other European countries keep VAT on news media low and ask the government to reconsider the increase. “That is not a matter of ability, but will. Especially for politicians who care about the area,” they conclude the letter.

The government parties support increase in VAT on culture, books, newspapers, sports and hotel stays. This means that there is a majority in the House of Representatives. It remains to be seen whether this also exists in the Senate. Opposition parties such as D66 are vital.

Writers, athletes and journalists went to The Hague last week to complaint against VAT increase