Romanian Govt Backs Car Tax Even At The Cost Of Votes – PM

The prime minister, who is also the leader of the Liberal Party, said he would rather have a responsible attitude toward the matter than take the popular road.

"I am aware that this tax will cost the government and the party votes. But I can honestly state that I cannot lie to Romanians just to make myself popular. Between a popular attitude and an honest one, which is the responsible thing to do in the long run – even if it is now unpopular and comes at a high political price – I choose the latter without hesitation,” Tariceanu said.

He informed cabinet members about the public hearing on the issue of the tax, which he attended last week. The hearing’s conclusion will b presented this week by a commission of experts, the government said in a statement.

"I’m trying to understand everybody, including those who criticize the tax. No tax is ever popular, nobody likes to pay more. But I am convinced that, with time, Romanians will understand the need to protect the environment and will see that the issue is not about paying a tax, but about the protection of the environment and of public health,” Tariceanu said.

The government discussed late March the draft emergency ordinance introducing the tax, which would replace the current car registration tax. The pollution tax is calculated with respect to the technical data of each particular car, based on carbon dioxide and noxious gas emissions.

The new car tax formula will come into force as of July 1, 2008 and the government will refund the extra money paid for the old car tax.

The draft was launched for public debates before the government approves it as an emergency ordinance.