Storm clouds gather over German art market

Some German art dealers are questioning whether the local art market offers them a future as a new law on protecting cultural assets adds to hurdles, including an increase in value-added taxes, social welfare payments for artists and global economic risks.The Kulturgutschutzgesetz (Cultural Assets Protection Law) had its first hearing in the lower house of parliament on 18 February and is expected to pass into law in the coming months. Its primary aims are to stop the illegal trade in looted an