The Dumbest Tax Ever: Slovakia’s Misguided Move to Hike VAT on Books

In a controversial move, Slovakia’s populist government has announced a drastic rise in value-added tax (VAT) on books from 10% to 23%. The plan, aimed at reducing the country’s public deficit, has drawn widespread condemnation from booksellers, publishers, and even far-right groups who argue that the measure will do more harm than good. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický justified the tax hike by claiming that wealthier individuals primarily purchase books, making them suitable for higher taxation.

However, this move may be one of the dumbest tax policies ever devised. Taxing books as luxury items misses the point entirely — books are essential tools for education, empowerment, and societal progress. They bridge the knowledge gap between the rich and poor, offering everyone, regardless of financial background, access to information, ideas, and opportunities for growth.

Knowledge is Power, Not a Privilege

The claim that wealthier individuals buy more books may hold some truth, but the impact of this VAT hike will extend far beyond the affluent. Raising the cost of books through higher taxes will make them less affordable for middle- and lower-income families, reducing access to education and cultural enrichment. Knowledge should not be priced out of…