Thousands of people are standing in line to pay the increased taxes, while mayors criticize the Government for cutting the funds allocated to localities.

Thousands of citizens have waited in line in the cold to pay the increased taxes, in the context where the Government estimates that local authorities will collect 3.7 billion lei more from local taxes. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan intends to reduce the funds allocated to local authorities to decrease the budget deficit, which has sparked discontent among mayors from all parties.

They accuse the Government of wanting to confiscate the money collected from local taxes, while citizens expect quality public services. Mayors emphasize that many localities depend on money from the state budget and that the cuts will severely affect their functioning. The Budget Law, which will establish a deficit of 6% of GDP, will be negotiated soon, and mayors are asking for compensation for localities with low revenues.