Romanian Environment Min Refused To Sign Decree Tripling Car Tax

Korodi told MEDIAFAX Tuesday that he refused to sign the act, which was instead signed by liberal state secretary Lucia Varga.

"I am discontent that there was no serious analysis before this measure was decided. The regular consultations with the European Commission were skipped, as was the regular analysis we would unfold regarding any amendments to the car tax,” Korodi said.

He added it would have been fairer to let the future government adjust the tax.

The pollution tax on cars tripled as of Monday, when the government decision amending the tax was published in the country’s Official Gazette. The normative act published in the Official Gazette Monday doesn’t mention a date for when the amendment takes effect, thus the act becomes effective upon publication.

The act mentions that, starting Dec 15, vehicles whose cylinder capacity doesn’t exceed 2,000 cubic centimeters and are registered for the first time in Romania or other European Union member states, are exempt from the tax until Dec 31, 2009.

Also, starting Monday, Dec 8, all cars complying with Euro 5 and Euro 6 norms, electric and hybrid vehicles, are also exempt from the tax.