New Political Party Proposes Economic and Social Reforms
Translated & summarized from Abu Ali Express by baba
A new political party, the Reservists' and Economic Party, has proposed reducing VAT to 12% to lower living costs, funded by taxing sugary drinks and unhealthy foods and ending Eilat's VAT exemption. The platform also includes education reform, changes to Haredi conscription, and a justice system overhaul. The party aims to raise the level of political discourse in Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The party proposes reducing VAT to 12% to combat the high cost of living.
- Funding for the VAT reduction would come from taxing sugary drinks and unhealthy foods.
- The party plans to replace matriculation exams with final projects and seminars.
- They advocate for summoning all Haredim obligated to enlist and denying benefits to draft dodgers.
- A broad consensus reform of the justice system is also part of the platform.
A new political party, identifying as both a reservists' party and an economic party, has outlined a platform focused on lowering the cost of living, reforming education and the justice system, and addressing the conscription of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews).
The party proposes reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) from 17% to 12% to combat the high cost of living. This would be funded by eliminating VAT exemptions in Eilat and imposing taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods. According to Abu Ali, a spokesperson, a 6% VAT reduction would cost the state approximately 56 billion shekels by 2026, while canceling Eilat's VAT exemption is estimated to save about 2.4 billion shekels. This would necessitate raising over 50 billion shekels through taxes on unhealthy food and drinks to stay within budget.
In education, the party plans to expand rewards for excellence and replace matriculation exams with final projects and seminars. Regarding Haredi conscription, they advocate for summoning all those obligated to enlist, denying benefits to draft dodgers and deserters, and opening service tracks for Haredim. The party also calls for a broad consensus reform of the justice system, aiming to strengthen judicial independence while balancing authorities and ensuring transparency in judicial appointments.
Abu Ali stated that the party aims to elevate the level of political discourse, emphasizing its economic focus and Zelicha's platform. He presented objective data to illustrate the financial implications of the proposed VAT reduction, highlighting the significant funding gap that would need to be filled by new taxes.
