Most recent columns

Harry Geels: Social entrepreneurship with other people’s money

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 15:16:58 +0100

_{This column was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.}

By Harry Geels

Citing all manner of ‘crises’ and ‘inequalities’, large companies in particular are now expected to do much more than simply make a profit: ESG, diversity targets, climate policy and social impact. That sounds more straightforward than it actually is.

Harry Geels: The remarkable support for the French protests

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:41:02 +0100

_{This column was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.}

By Harry Geels

Who is actually protesting in France, why, and against what? The answer to these questions is far less clear-cut than some supporters of the protests would have us believe.

Harry Geels: The ‘we’re doing so well’ fallacy

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:33:46 +0200

_{This column was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.}

By Harry Geels

There is a curious stock phrase in Dutch public debate. As soon as someone complains about the high tax burden, the problems in the housing market, or the cost of additional defence spending, it isn’t long before someone else says: ‘But we’ve got it incredibly good here, haven’t we?’

Harry Geels: Tackling ageism with a negative income tax

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:02:55 +0200

_{This column was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.}

By Harry Geels

Discrimination against older people in the labour market is a well-known phenomenon. At the same time, many people want to remain active in society for longer. The debate on raising the state pension age highlights how difficult the current system finds it to deal with this issue. The negative income tax I proposed earlier could help resolve both challenges at the same time.

Harry Geels: Three hard-hitting final conclusions on the Box 3 debacle

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:20:02 +0200

_{This column was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.}

By Harry Geels

The debate surrounding Box 3 reveals a country that is highly polarised, is struggling enormously with an outdated and overly complicated tax system, and is collectively suffering from the ‘money illusion’.