- Romanians who remain uninsured for health starting next month, meaning 3.3 million people, were supposed to pay approximately 2,400 lei to the state, in two equal installments. According to the amendment, the first installment will be 25% of this amount, and the next one will be 75%.
- The bonus for employees working on projects with European funds was initially cut from 50% to 35%. The government reconsidered the decision and limited the bonus to 40%.
- The tax on gambling winnings of up to 10,000 lei will be only 4%. The initial bill proposed an increase to 10% tax.
- Small banks will not pay a 4% tax on turnover, as the fiscal package initially provided, but a reduced one, of only 2%. The measure will apply to banks holding a market share of less than 0.2% of the total net assets of the banking sector in Romania.
- The subsidy for political parties decreases by 40% compared to 2024. The proposal came from the PSD. However, the amounts paid to parties will be higher than in 2023. AEP transferred 386 million lei to political parties in 2024.
The fiscal package will reduce the deficit
This package of measures aims to achieve the following objectives:
- reducing the budget deficit target from 9.3% and realigning on the adjustment trajectory to meet the commitments set out in the 7-year Budget Fiscal Plan,
- regaining investors' trust and avoiding a downgrade from a country rating perspective,
- avoiding the suspension of European funds and continuing the implementation of infrastructure and development projects,
- implementing tax reform to receive positive evaluation from the European Commission and the possibility of receiving funds from Payment Request number 4, the amount representing the most significant contribution to the state budget, with a projected amount of 2.68 billion euros gross, equivalent to 0.7% of GDP, as stated in a press release from the Executive, according to Agerpres.
The most important measures in this package include the imposition of two VAT rates of 11 and 21%, increased excise duties on alcohol, fuels, and cigarettes, as well as the introduction of social health insurance contribution (CASS) for pensioners with pensions over 3,000 lei.
The Economic and Social Council gave a negative opinion on the project, stating that the proposed fiscal-budgetary measures lead to a decrease in the purchasing power of all citizens and affect stability or predictability in society, generating a negative social and economic impact on the entire society.
The National Trade Union Block has drafted several amendments to the fiscal measures package, which have been sent to all political parties to be included in the law that the Ilie Bolojan Government will take responsibility for in Parliament on Monday.
The opposition has three days to submit a vote of no confidence
Since Parliament went on vacation at the end of June, for the procedure regarding the government's assumption of responsibility for the bill on certain fiscal-budgetary measures, senators and deputies were summoned to an extraordinary session.
The deadline for submitting amendments to the bill is Monday at 8:00. Subsequently, a Cabinet meeting will be held to analyze the submitted amendments.
If within three days of assuming responsibility, deputies and senators have not initiated a vote of no confidence against the Government, then the bill is considered adopted. In the case of submitting a vote of no confidence, if it receives the majority vote of deputies and senators, then the Government is dismissed.