Grindeanu gives assurances that he has not discussed a new VAT increase. “It's a false thing thrown on the market.”

The interim president of the PSD, Sorin Grindeanu, said on Monday, September 1, that he had not discussed “even once” in the ruling coalition about a new VAT increase.

Sorin Grindeanu Photo Mediafax

“I saw this news about the VAT increase. It was not even discussed once in the coalition, not even before the Bolojan government's investment about such a scenario. It is a false thing thrown on the market and we have not been a part”, Grindeanu told Parliament, asked about this topic.

Recently, political sources have transmitted that the Government analyzes a possible VAT increase from 21% to 23%, starting with 2026, if the budgetary receipts will not increase significantly.

The decision would be taken into account against the background of finding additional funds for the budget rectification and for reducing the deficit, according to the commitments made with the European Commission.

In addition, state expenses, including military ones, would be forecast to increase, while the pensions and salaries of the budget would remain frozen in 2026.

Another topic discussed would have been “equalizing the VAT rate for the Horeca sector”, which increased from 9% to 11% to August 1, but could reach 21% starting with 2026. The hoteliers warn, however, that this year was the weakest of the last three and fear the effects of a new increase.

The measures come in the context in which the Executive is facing difficulties in reducing the state operating expenses.