Bacău Pensioners Protest: Taxes Have Tripled While Discounts Have Been Cut

Dozens of residents from Bacău gathered in front of the town hall to protest against the sharp rise in local taxes and the reduction of early-payment discounts. The measures adopted by the authorities are affecting pensioners and low-income individuals in particular.

This year, the discount for full payment of taxes and duties by 31 March was cut from 10% to just 5%. This reduction comes against a backdrop of considerable increases in local taxes, with some taxpayers reporting bills up to three times higher than the previous year.

Among the protesters were many elderly residents and people with serious health conditions, who feel these measures affect them disproportionately. One local resident explained that her tax bill had risen from 270 RON to 840 RON — almost triple — while the discount had been halved.

The situation is particularly difficult for people with health problems. Among the protesters were couples battling cancer, who say the measures are placing an even greater strain on their already precarious financial circumstances.

Taxpayers are accusing local authorities of failing to honour their electoral promises to maintain existing tax levels. Many feel they were ignored after the elections, despite being courted for their votes during the campaign.

The discontent is further fuelled by the fact that in other towns across the country the 10% early-payment discount continues to be offered, while in Bacău it has been halved without any clear justification from the local administration.