Bolojan Government meeting. Photo: Government of Romania
The liberal Hubert Thuma, president of the Ilfov County Council and one of the most influential anti-Bolojan leaders in the PNL, accuses that many mayors were made guilty of the increase in local taxes, but they did not decide this increase, but the Bolojan Government: “The rules were changed at the central level, but the mayors were left to manage the bill”.
Thuma, leader of PNL Ilfov, posted a message on Facebook with “some important clarifications, for correct information”, in the context in which, he says, in recent days, many mayors have been blamed for increasing local taxes and fees.
“The rules have changed at the central level, but the mayors are left to manage the bill”
“The framework was changed at the national level, through the fiscal package that entered into force on January 1, 2026 and through the ordinance of December 2025, which modified the rules for the new year. And the public message was clear: Those who do not comply risk losing money through transfers from the state budget.
In short: The rules were changed at the central level, but the mayors were left to manage the bill. In other words, the pressure of the deficit was pushed to the local level. Another important aspect: The local taxes paid by the people do not represent the bulk of the money in a local budget, especially in developed areas,” says head CJ Ilfov.
According to it, local budgets are mainly driven by two engines: the real economy (income tax that is redistributed to the communities) and investments and European funds.
He argues that, “if we want strong local governments without humiliating the people, there are healthier solutions”:
- To keep more of the income tax in the communities;
- Increasing incomes through the economy, not through burdens on the population.
- Investments, jobs, a predictable and attractive fiscal climate”.
“Don't shoot mayors for a decision made at the center. Mayors keep communities on their feet, day in and day out,” adds the liberal.
Thuma's message is in the same critical line as that of the PSD mayor of Craiova, Lia Olguța Vasilescu, who accuses that “the mayors keep cursing because they increased local taxes, and the money goes to the national budget”.
Lia Olguța Vasilescu, sharp message for Ilie Bolojan regarding the amounts obtained from the tax increase: “We will not accept”
