The taxation burden in a specific country is something that can be measured. By econometrics. And the thoroughly accurate calculations, which go beyond the picture of the economy registered in the accounting books, show that taxation in Romania is excessive, regardless of all those opinions on the issue.
Starting from the results of the scientific calculations presented by Academy member Emilian Dobrescu in his "Transition in Romania" book, the National Bank Governor Mugur Isarescu on Thursday said taxation in Romania was suffocating, even though fiscal revenues accounted for only 30% of GDP, compared to the 50% of GDP in the developed countries, because only part of the economy fell into the taxpayer category.
Dobrescu says the 30% estimate for the share of the general consolidated budget's revenues in GDP is misleading. "If the taxation rate is recomputed as to include two corrections - the 'unnoticed' economy, officially estimated at 21%-22% of GDP and the production of households in view of consumption, which adds another 5% or 6%, its level will reach 43.1%-44.3%," the academician feels.
Even though Mugur Isarescu, in his position as economist agreed with those complaining about the taxation burden, Finance minister Mihai Tanasescu felt the need to turn him into a book reviewer. "Mugur Isarescu commented three chapters of this book, he summarised the presentation of the 'Transition in Romania' book," Tanasescu told Mediafax.
Mugur Isarescu in his turn said he had not made any official statements during the book launch on Thursday. He explained he had merely taken the floor and discussed about the book. razvan.voican@zf.ro
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