As the government tries to draw a public into its anti-tax evasion plan of offering high-end cars in a weekly lottery to anyone who puts their tax details onto official receipts, environmental group Quercus has poured scorn on the idea, saying it is another “lamentable” indication of how wrong policymakers can be.
High-end cars are “environmental no-nos”, says Quercus, that bring with them large carbon footprints and promote an “unsustainable contradictory” lifestyle.
The ‘Factura da Sorte’ prize draw is aimed at encouraging taxpayers to help the government fight ‘black-market’ activity, particularly since the standard VAT rate was increased to 23%.
By demanding an official receipt, or invoice, from all types of businesses and for any amount – even for a ‘bica’ (espresso) – on which individuals must declare their own tax identification numbers, taxpayers will immediately qualify for lotteries of top-of-the-range cars.
Quercus pointed out some unsustainable reasons against giving out luxury cars.
“We already have too many roads, many of them unnecessary and expensive, and too many cars that cause noise, air pollution and create harmful greenhouse gas emissions”.
The association adds that the government should give up its crass plan and instead invest in recycled paper, low energy light-bulbs and electric cars for ministers and associated high-end earners.
Meanwhile, a blind man interviewed on TVi television channel questioned the use of a prize such as a car for individuals like him.
The ‘Factura da Sorte’ draw is due to start at the beginning of April but will include all invoices issued from January 1, 2014.
