At a critical moment for the Romanian economy, marked by fiscal pressures and political uncertainty, the most important business organizations in the country are issuing a joint appeal to political parties.
The message is clear: Romania needs real reforms, not rushed fiscal measures that risk suffocating the economy and discouraging investments.
Business representatives are warning that the decisions made during this period will have profound effects on the economy and society. They caution that the current debate on fiscal recovery is unbalanced, focusing almost exclusively on tax increases, in the absence of a clear plan to reduce public spending and reform the state apparatus.
Tax increases are not the solution
"Without a real commitment to internal reform, any fiscal measures only risk burdening the economic engine necessary for recovery," emphasizes the appeal signed by 12 influential business organizations, including AMCHAM, AHK, FIC, CONCORDIA, and RBL.
The leaders warn that tax increases, without profound reforms, only worsen imbalances and accentuate the lack of confidence.
The appeal explicitly mentions imminent dangers: blocking European funds, lowering the country's rating, and investor withdrawals. The organizations call for a balanced package of measures, including both revenue increases and expenditure reductions.
Additionally, policies to stimulate investments and support economic activity are essential.
Against imposing new fiscal burdens
The business environment supports maintaining the flat tax rate, uniformly applied without exceptions, as a fundamental element for competitiveness and predictability.
Other proposed priorities include: cutting excessive administrative expenses, deep reform of public administration, eliminating discretionary political funding, and supporting public investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation.
The organizations reject the idea of introducing new taxes or increasing existing ones. Instead, they propose clear solutions: improving tax collection by combating tax evasion and digitizing tax administration, reducing bureaucracy, and eliminating unjustified tax privileges.
"Honest companies should not have to pay for the irresponsible management of public finances," the appeal states.
According to the signatories, solidarity between the state and the private sector can only work under conditions of an authentic partnership based on reciprocity. The state must fulfill its obligations, pay debts to companies, and stop creating privileged categories at the expense of correct taxpayers.
"Responsible economic activity and performance should not be penalized by punitive fiscal measures," the signatories emphasize.
Private sector wants to be part of the solution
The European Commission has already warned about Romania's budgetary drifts, highlighting the accelerated increase in expenditures and deviation from fiscal targets.
Business representatives warn that ignoring these signals could lead to severe sanctions and loss of external credibility. In this context, Romania needs a medium-term fiscal plan based on institutional efficiency and transparency.
The appeal concludes with a strong invitation to dialogue. The private sector declares its willingness to contribute to the development of the fiscal measures package, provided that this process is transparent and includes real debate.
"Solidarity must start from the state, by assuming its own reform and responsibly managing public funds," the appeal's conclusion states.