K. Vaitiekūnas: I had my fingernails in the Government's decision not to consider VAT relief on vegetables

Christopher Vaitiekūnas, the appointed Minister of Finance, has admitted that he was instrumental in ensuring that the Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on vegetables is no longer part of the new Government's programme. He said that this measure contributed to supermarkets' profit margins rather than promoting healthy eating.

„The VAT (value added tax – ELTA) exemption for vegetables, I must admit that I have my fingernails in my mouth“, – K. Vaitiekūnas told Žinių radios“ on Thursday.

„Actually, this measure was very inappropriate, it is simply a sponsorship of supermarkets. Whoever says what, we have examples, the ministry is full of analysed examples of other countries where this path has been followed and the only effect that is achieved is that it recovers the profits of the traders“, – he continued.

The Government Programme of the 19th Gintautas Palucas Government envisaged the promotion of a culture of health food consumption, the provision of information on health and health-oriented nutrition, and the introduction of a 5% preferential rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fresh fruit, vegetables and berries. This item is no longer in the programme of the new 20th Government.