the belgian goverment’s proposed tax on leisure activities, including cinema, has ignited fury within the film industry, prompting threats of legal action. Cinema federation representatives denounced the measure as “ridiculous” and a sign of governmental misunderstanding of the sector, vowing to challenge it in court.
The planned tax,impacting festivals alongside cinemas,is set to take affect December 1st,alongside changes to consumer credits and security at nuclear sites. The industry’s outrage stems from the principle of taxing cultural pursuits,with the federation prepared to appeal to the Council of State and the Competition Council to overturn what they call an “aberration.” The criticism extends to members of the MR party who supported the measure,raising questions about the government’s commitment to a thriving cultural landscape.
“Not only is it ridiculous, what the government is doing, it means that we don’t understand the sector,” a representative stated, signaling the federation’s intent to pursue all available legal avenues should the decision be formalized.
The controversy underscores a broader concern about the valuation of culture within Belgian society, with critics questioning how the government can foster a vibrant arts scene while concurrently imposing financial burdens on it.
