Lack of adequate support for flat tax

The hesitations of the Finance Ministry in promoting the flat income tax are showing, as 46.51 percent of those canvassed in a poll conducted by ConsoData market survey company prefer the progressive tax, while 21.90 percent are unable to say which of the two choices is better.
The survey was conducted throughout September 22-24 and canvassed a sample of 1,422 city dwellers aged between 18 and 55, who also have Internet access.
The Finance Ministry is expecting the results of a poll conducted by specialised institute IMAS, which is supposed to deliver an accurate picture of the extent to which the opposition of certain union leaders to flat tax is supported by the public opinion. The fragmented and unconvincing coverage of the project by the media might compromise the results of the IMAS poll, as many of those interviewed may find it hard to provide an informed opinion on the matter at hand.
Out of the 1,422 people canvassed by ConsoData Company, 31.59 percent say they are in favour of the flat tax being introduced.
Out of the respondents making less than three million ROL a month, 40.51 percent prefer the progressive taxation system. The same answer was provided by 31.59 percent of the people making 5 to 7 million ROL, as well.
The Government is to debate the Fiscal Code on Thursday, with two versions of the draft possibly presented that day. The flat tax, however, cannot be passed in the absence of PSD (Social Democrat Party) support. The economists of the ruling party postponed for next week the presentation of their conclusions based on the analyses conducted lately.
razvan.voican@zf.ro