GroenLinkseuveniles boycott Starbucks

Tomorrow, the youth organisation of GroenLinks (DWARS) is boycotting US coffee giant Starbucks. Passers-by of branches throughout the country will be offered free coffee . By doing so, the youth want to raise large-scale tax evasion at the multinational. "It is unimaginable how much money Starbucks bringing in without paying taxes on it. With free coffee, we want to encourage consumers to stay away from the company," chairman Lyle Muns informed.

Now that the Netherlands has become EU president, DWARS says it is the perfect time to raise rulings. These are agreements that take place behind the scenes between tax authorities and (big) companies about their tax payments. Muns: "While small coffee shops are thefull amount pay, Starbucks goes free. Tax agreements with multinationals need to be more transparent and fair."

Don't big multinationals always find a way? DWARS says not. Muns: "The Netherlands does not even do the slightest thing to close 'loopholes'. On the contrary, it appeals when the European commission forces Starbucks to pay taxes. That is the upside-down world."

Passers-by at Starbucks in Groningen (University Library), The Hague (Grote Marktstraat), Amsterdam (Singel), Utrecht (Hollandse Toren) and Tilburg (Campus Tilburg University) can get free coffee between 12h and 13h.