Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a new taxation system, which will include the digital economy, luxury properties and luxury vehicles, with the aim, according to him, of increasing solidarity with citizens who face the highest costs of living.
During a speech, Rama declared that the time has come for a new taxation system for the digital economy, starting from people who earn income through social networks, to genuine commercial activities on the internet.
"The time has come for a new taxation system for the digital economy, starting with those who live quite well and I am very happy about this, with flattery and folly and continuing with genuine digital trade, for which a special project is being prepared by the Ministry of Finance," said Rama.
The head of government announced that in parallel, work is being done on other fiscal measures, which, according to him, aim to mitigate the inequalities that are created as a result of rapid economic growth and development.
One of the measures announced by Rama is the imposition of a higher tax on owners who buy apartments and keep them empty, refusing to rent them out.
According to the prime minister, owners have the right to decide how to use their property, but must pay more taxes if they choose not to rent it out.
"A super-property tax for those who buy and keep empty apartments, refusing to rent them out. It is their right, but they should pay the same as they are doing in some other European countries that are facing the increased cost of apartments," declared Rama.
Another measure expected to be included in a separate law relates to luxury properties in coastal areas. Rama warned of higher taxes for villas on the coast, as well as a significant increase in the price of water used to fill swimming pools.
In addition to property and the digital economy, the prime minister announced that the fiscal package will also include a super-tax on luxury cars.
Rama argued that the new measures aim to create more solidarity with citizens who feel the pressure of rising living costs most strongly.