The elections are just around the corner and all politicians are busy communicating their views and ideals to the Netherlands. One of these politicians is Pieter Grinwis from the Christian Union. Out of nowhere he launched an attack on Radio 1 against Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen. The politician could immediately expect severe criticism of his statements.
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Max Verstappen should pay taxes, says ChristenUnie
Verstappen is Formula 1 world champion and has now become an absolute hero for many around the world. Max Verstappen’s salary doesn’t lie either; The Dutchman has done well in Formula 1 in recent years and will probably continue to do so in the coming years.
Dutch people who earn a lot usually also have to pay a lot of taxes, but Verstappen doesn’t. He lives in Monaco, a mini country that is not part of the European Union. The tax rate for residents of this country is exactly 0.0%. As a result, the Dutch state loses millions in income taxes.
The Christian Union is calling for a Max Verstappen levy. “If you do not live in the Netherlands for tax reasons, you can make contributions to the Dutch state,” says MP @Pieter_Grinwis In #MoneyofyourLeven.
— NPO Radio 1 (@NPORadio1) November 8, 2023
And that doesn’t sit well with Grinwis from the Christian Union. During “Geld or je Leven” on Radio 1, he suggests a “Max Verstappen levy,” which he describes as an “innovative suggestion.” The politician doesn’t just have the driver in his sights. The tax would apply to all Dutch people living abroad to “avoid taxes”.
Strong criticism erupts, including from father Verstappen
The racing driver now has many fans and of course many of them support the Dutchman. But father Jos Verstappen doesn’t like the politician’s idea either. “What a weirdo that is,” writes father Verstappen in one Answer on X
The big question remains whether such a proposal is even feasible. Verstappen’s manager had previously stated that he thought it was right for the driver not to pay taxes in the Netherlands. By the way, he sometimes pays taxes in the Netherlands, namely when he drives in Zandvoort.
“We also have no activities in the Netherlands. “Why should we have to tax foreign income there?” said Verstappen’s manager.