A note from the National Assembly refers that the presidents of the parliamentary groups decided this Tuesday, at the leaders' conference, that there is a need to deepen the discussion of the bill, whose final global vote was scheduled for Thursday.
"Given the impact that the Value Added Tax (VAT) has on citizens' lives and the need to deepen the discussion of the proposed law, parliamentary leaders decided to reschedule the (...) diploma, after completion of the works in terms of specialty", emphasizes the note.
The proposed law aims to change VAT from 14 percent to 7 percent on all foodstuffs, but in the specific discussion, the parliamentary group of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) defends a zero rate for products from basic basket, considering that the halving "may not produce the expected results of mitigating the inflationary effects".
In view of the impasse, the discussion on the specialty was suspended, with consultations taking place at the level of political leaders.
Last July, the Government announced the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs, with the aim of reducing the cost of living, a measure included in a broader package that provides for stimulus to economic growth.
Parliament is on its parliamentary vacation period, from August 15th to October 15th, however, the effectiveness of the functions of the deputies or the Standing Committee is not affected, so "the specialized work committees will continue to deal with matters of urgent and indispensable for the normal functioning of the National Assembly".
