The burden of taxes in Portugal has reached 34.7% of GDP – the highest it has been ‘since proverbial records began’ 22 years ago.
Say reports, this result “goes against the 2017 State Budget trajectory promised by the executive of António Costa and coincides with some of the accusations” levelled by centre-right opponents in parliament over the last two years which have centred on the expedient increase in ‘indirect taxes’.
In simple language: ‘unavoidable taxes’ like IVA (VAT), IMI (rates) and social contributions in annual tax returns have whacked up the pressures on families’ ‘everyday’.
Expresso stresses: “Not even during the so-called Troika years was the burden of taxes so high”.
According to statistics coming out of INE (national statistics institute), even with Portugal’s newly won ‘elevated growth’ of 2.7%, taxes and social contributions have “increased even more”.
This news is “especially problematic for the government”, adds Expresso, as it confirms the accusations levelled by the Opposition in a year where all parties are flexing their muscles ahead of next year’s legislative elections.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
