USR does not agree with the increase in taxes and fees, stated the interim president of the party, Dominic Fritz.
He stated that during the consultations, there was discussion on how to reduce the deficit, „which is much too high, due to the unsustainable measures taken by the previous government.”
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"Of course, the majority of this discussion was about how we can reduce the deficit, which is much too high due to the unsustainable measures taken by the previous government. We have clearly expressed that before discussing quick or presumed quick solutions, where the burden falls on the shoulders of citizens, like before such solutions like tax increases, we must discuss and put on the table all possibilities to reduce state expenses," Fritz specified.
He used VAT as an example, stating that it cannot be increased to pay the antenna bonus for officials.
"As long as we can afford to pay an antenna bonus for almost all public officials in Romania, totaling six billion lei per year, I don't think it is fair, correct towards Romanians, to discuss an increase in VAT. For example, one percentage point increase in VAT brings in seven billion lei, so we cannot increase VAT to continue paying the antenna bonus. This should be clear," Fritz declared.
The USR leader also stated that this crisis we are facing is also "an opportunity not only for a slimming down of the state, but also to unleash the potential that exists in the private sector, through labor market flexibility, for example, through radical deregulation."
Fritz specified that he proposed a paper-cutting commission, "because every business in Romania faces far too many regulations and controls that can be made more efficient."
The USR leader mentioned that they also discussed the formation of the government and the future prime minister.
"We believe that the country needs a prime minister with great authority and credibility, otherwise it will be difficult to implement the measures, and that is Ilie Bolojan," Fritz said.
First consultations during Dan's mandate
President Nicușor Dan is having his first consultations with parliamentary parties on Wednesday.
According to the Presidential Administration, the consultations are informal and focus on the country's economic and political situation.
There will be 11 hours of discussions, with each party having an hour and a half. They started at 9:00 with the Social Democratic Party and will end at 20:00 with the unaffiliated parliamentarians.
President Nicușor Dan stated on Wednesday morning that the discussions at Cotroceni Palace with parliamentary formations focus on balancing the state budget and the new Government, which he hopes will be formed in two to three weeks and will include the four pro-Western parties.