The tax department reminds (…) of its tax obligations

Yesterday, the General Taxation Department issued a press release referring to the next community and municipal elections, which surprised more than one person. The tax department reminded candidates that they need to fulfill their tax obligations in order to be able to participate in the next elections.

According to the press release, mayoral and council candidates must file a tax return and pay the taxes due as well as any taxes owed to prove their tax regularity. With only a few weeks left before the application opens, this requirement may seem legitimate, but from another perspective it can be seen as a lever of control for the political class seeking legitimacy.

For many observers, this approach by the tax authorities risks exploitation, where those in power influence the choice of candidates by creating barriers to entry into the political sphere. In fact, the economic dependence of candidates on the government could limit the diversity of voters’ voices and policy choices.

This message, while a simple reminder, may mask a real desire to steer the political landscape, even to the point of reducing to zero the candidates that those who control the tax system consider less favorable.

As the nomination draws near, the question arises: Is this tax requirement really meant to ensure the integrity of elections, or is it a tool for political control? In a context where transparency and justice are needed more than ever, institutions, including tax administrations, must act in ways that strengthen, not undermine, democracy.

The coming weeks may be crucial in assessing the impact of this approach. Candidates will have the responsibility to comply with the tax authorities’ requests, but this does not prevent civil society and observers from remaining vigilant in cases where tax administration could be instrumentalized to serve specific political interests.