Florin Barbu accuses Alexandru Nazare of blocking the VAT reduction and measures for farmers: “As an economist—because I’m an economist by training and a tax specialist—I gave him numerous measures”

Ana Maria Eftene

10 November 2026, 06:56

Current Affairs

Florin Barbu FOTO: Facebook/ Florin Barbu

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Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu called on Monday for a reduction in VAT on food and the elimination of procedures requiring farmers to pay fuel taxes in advance, accusing the Finance Ministry of blocking measures needed to support the agri-food sector and revive consumption.

In an interview with Antena 3 CNN, Barbu argued that higher taxes had severely affected the domestic market, reduced consumption, and contributed to a decline in the activity of food-processing factories. The minister called for VAT on food products to be restored to its previous level of 9%, saying the measure could limit price increases and support purchasing power.

“Yes, in my view, VAT should also be lowered. At least to 9%, as it was before,” Florin Barbu said.

The Agriculture Minister directly criticized Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare, saying that he does not sufficiently assess the negative effects of taxation on the economy. Barbu referred to the period of economic recession and called for solutions to be identified to restart activity and increase budget revenues.

Another point of contention is the subsidization of fuel used in agriculture. Farmers pay VAT and excise duties at the pump and subsequently request reimbursement of the amounts, which ties up their working capital. Barbu supports eliminating these taxes directly at the time of purchase and says he has sent the Finance Ministry several technical solutions.

Context: before Monday’s requests, Barbu had previously proposed fiscal measures for agriculture and gone through a contentious parliamentary hearing

Before the intervention on November 9, Florin Barbu had publicly discussed the idea that farmers should be able to purchase diesel for agriculture without excise duty (and, where applicable, without VAT) directly at the pump, starting in 2027, through a mechanism under evaluation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance. He cited the fact that the current system forces farmers to advance funds and wait for reimbursement, which would tie up working capital.

At the same time, the minister appeared at parliamentary hearings held in a tense atmosphere. At the specialized committees, Barbu was confronted with accusations related to subsidies for reeds in the Danube Delta, while the exchange of words with a PNL deputy was described as a “scandal.” In the end, the hearings concluded with a favorable opinion for the mandate.

Meanwhile, discussions in the agricultural sector about high costs continued in other forms as well: interim minister Barna Tanczos met with farmers’ representatives, who drew attention to the rising cost of fuel and fertilizers and delays in granting support measures, warning that agriculture can no longer operate sustainably at current prices.