Education Minister Sorin Costreie calls for private tutoring to be brought into the tax system and says the scale of the phenomenon points to major problems in Romanian schools

Education Minister Sorin Costreie told Digi24 that private tutoring must be taxed, arguing that the scale of the phenomenon shows that Romania’s school system has structural problems. The minister did not provide a timeline for a possible measure, but said taxation should be applied wherever possible.

Sorin Costreie explained that, in a functioning education system, private tutoring should be the exception and should concern only isolated cases. According to him, the large number of students who turn to additional preparation indicates that schools are failing to meet all of children’s needs.

The minister advocated for personalized education, adapted to each student’s level and difficulties. An important component should be remedial education, aimed at children who fall behind in class.

This additional preparation could be organized at school or provided through private tutoring, depending on the parents’ decision. Costreie stressed, however, that the widespread use of private tutoring represents a warning sign for the education system.