Dragoș Anastasiu: “I am convinced that we will have four parties in the coalition.” What the president's advisor says

Dragoș Anastasiu, honorary counselor of President Nicușor Dan for the relationship with the business environment, stated, at Digi24, that the discussions of the moment about the package of fiscal measures concern the level of differentiated VAT quotas, not the global tax increase, as well as the taxes that should be increased since 2026.

Dragoș Anastasiu estimated that, at the latest Monday morning, the final form of the package of tax measures will be presented, the counselor claiming that the parties are willing to reach an agreement. “They worked together and it was an atmosphere of responsibility, even if there were different visions. Each has their own interests, but through negotiations we reach common objection. I am convinced that we will have four parties and we will have an agreement,” said Anastasiu.

He said that the first target of the package of fiscal measures is to avoid Romania to be relegated to the rating agencies in the “Junk” category, the designation of a prime minister being only a first step.

“It is very good that we have a government, a premier with credibility, known for its firmness. It is a big point for Romania, but it is not enough, we must also come with a credible program for those from outside,” said the president's counselor.

Asked about the possibility of VAT growth, Anastasiu said that this variant, along with increasing excise duties, is a way to get money quickly. However, the increase of the value added tax is taken into account only for the products at which the share was lower than the standard, of 19%. A possible general VAT increase could be redissed in the fall.

“Now we are talking about VAT quotas and we will have to wait for the results and see if in October will be sufficient (…) In addition to VAT, there is a whole set of measures to reduce the waste, abuse and inequities that will be to the liking of the Romanian people,” Anastasiu said.

He said that the increasing tax on dividends is discussed, on increasing the tax on profit, as well as the taxation of the properties, but they would be applied from 2026.

Regarding the personnel discounts within the state institutions, Anastasiu said that they require time, at least some of them, as employment contracts must be respected.

Asked what happened during Thursday at the discussions between Nicușor Dan and Ilie Bolojan who led to the postponement of the PNL leader as prime minister, Anastasiu said:

“It is clear that Ilie Bolojan was the one who took certain ideas from the parties he discussed with the president, who also had some things to say. The atmosphere between the palaces will be one of collaboration and understanding. ”