According to the prime minister, the government should intervene regarding goods and activities that harm public health, cause addiction, or have a negative impact on young people.
Gambling: a 6% tax on companies’ revenue
One of the key measures will be a change in taxation in the gambling sector. According to Vasile Tofan, residents of the Republic of Moldova spend about 10 billion lei annually on such activities.
“This is a very large sum—more than the annual transfers from the state budget to the healthcare sector, and equivalent to all the heating subsidies the state has provided over the past four years,” the prime minister stated.
A tax of 6% of revenue is planned for companies in the gambling sector. At the same time, Tofan emphasized that the authorities must not allow a situation where an increase in the tax burden leads users to switch to illegal or cross-border platforms.
““We need to ensure fairer taxation, but at the same time have effective administration of this tax and good oversight so that activities remain within the legal, ‘white’ sector and so that we do not push people toward the illegal sector,” the prime minister noted.
E-cigarettes: Excise Taxes to Rise by 50%
In addition, the authorities plan to raise excise taxes on tobacco products. Excise taxes on e-cigarettes will rise by 50%, and on traditional cigarettes by 20%. According to Tofan, e-cigarette consumption is increasing by approximately 30% annually.
“This is a very ambitious increase, and we hope this measure will help reduce consumption of such products,” said Vasile Tofan.
Excise Tax on Soft Drinks
The bill also provides for the introduction of excise taxes on sweetened carbonated beverages and energy drinks. The prime minister noted that similar measures are already in place in many countries and are related to the impact of these products on public health, especially among children and young people.
“We have delayed the introduction of this measure because such products affect public health and create additional costs for the healthcare system. We must intervene,” said the prime minister. However, he did not specify the excise tax rate.
Fireworks: 25% Excise Tax
Another proposed measure is the introduction of a 25% excise tax on fireworks. According to Vasile Tofan, these products affect not only public order but also people’s health, the environment, animals, and vulnerable populations.
“Furthermore, they impose costs on society. We must tax them accordingly,” the prime minister concluded.
The draft tax policy, titled “Labor. Investment. Justice,” will be submitted for public consultation.
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