Statement: I am in favor of a ‘lucky tax’ for large companies that make a profit

Eight of the world’s largest oil and gas companies made a combined profit of more than $112 billion in the past quarter. Saudi Aramco made $48 billion in 91 days. Shell took 18 billion. Most of it is then invested in own shares.

The war in Ukraine rages on and the Russians no longer want to supply gas, causing consumers to suffer: costs are starting to skyrocket. People could be helped financially by making gas and oil companies pay a higher profit tax on their crisis profits: the so-called mumps tax. State Secretary Marnix van Rij of Finance called this ‘unfeasible’ in July, but these kinds of measures are already being introduced elsewhere in Europe.

The downside: companies already pay taxes and making a profit is not punishable. It usually takes two years to introduce additional tax rules. Moreover, the high prices are also an incentive to become more sustainable more quickly. But CNV chairman Fortuin thinks a temporary extra tax is justifiable. “Not so long ago, the government supported the business community with billions in the context of the corona crisis. The companies that now earn a lot of money could make a gesture in return.”

The coalition and the cabinet will also have to determine, among other things, what will happen with the current measures to mitigate the purchasing power pain, such as the lower excise duty on fuel and VAT on energy bills. Ministers are also pushing employers to raise wages to help citizens as prices rise sharply: “Not everything can come from the government.” But a higher profit tax now seems to be a possibility.

Do you think that’s a good idea? Should these companies pay higher taxes to mitigate the impact of the crisis on consumers, or is it unfair to ‘punish’ them in this way for their success?