A Conversation with Thomas Piketty and Lodewijk Asscher

De Balie proudly welcomes Thomas Piketty and Lodewijk Asscher to discuss concrete measures for a more equal society.


The current global crisis is expected to deepen the existing inequalities in the world. In his influential work, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, Thomas Piketty advocates a more equal society. How should governments redistribute wealth? We look at what needs to be done both in the Netherlands and at an international level. How do we organise our society in a fair way?

During this evening we make the connection between scientific theory and the practice of politics. What is Lodewijk Asscher’s take on the ideas proposed by Thomas Piketty? And what does Piketty think about the way in which politicians should put his own theories into practice?

Do you want to ask them a question? Drop your question here.

Thomas Piketty (via Zoom-call) is one of the most influential economists of our time. He achieved cult status with his book ‘Capital in the 21st century (2013)’ and released the book ‘Capital and Ideology’ in 2019.

Lodewijk Asscher is party leader for the Dutch Labour Party for the parliamentary elections next year. He has been the party’s political leader since late 2016, and was Minister of Social Affairs and Employment and Deputy Prime Minister in the Rutte II cabinet between 2012 and 2017.