MPs propose voucher scheme to give Romanians EUR 100 a year to spend on books

A new proposal could see Romanian employees receiving EUR 100 a year as book vouchers, which would be valid for books on any theme – related to their profession or not. Proposed by MPs Adrian Nastase and Viorel Socaciu, the book voucher scheme would require only an amendment to existing legislation covering vouchers and tickets for employees, rather than a new law.

"Every citizen should have free access to written culture and to written material necessary for their professional or their general interest. Initiatives that can encourage people to read, to approach the world of books, have advantages for the education and culture of all citizens, as well as a direct benefit to public finances in the form greater circulation of published material," reads a memorandum on the proposal. Nastase and Socaciu say the book voucher scheme will also bring Romania into line with similar legislation in other EU countries. The vouchers would be valid for one year from their issue date and have the same tax status as existing food vouchers. The proposal has been ok-ed by the Senate and passed onto the Chamber of Deputies for debate. Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com