Romania: Witches must pay taxes

In an effort to crack down on tax evasion and pull the nation out of a recession, Romania has decided to tax its witches. Romanian witches are not pleased and said they will respond by doing what they do best: casting a spell on the president and government.

The government's new tax law came into effect on Jan. 1 and will target witches as well as astrologers and fortune tellers. They will now be included in the labor code, treated like any self-employed person and expected to pay 16 percent income tax and contribute to state health and pension programs, the AP reports.

Witches in Romania said they will go to the southern plains and Danube River Thursday and cast spells to cause evil to befall government officials.

"This law is foolish. What is there to tax, when we hardly earn anything?" a witch named Alisia told the AP. "The lawmakers don't look at themselves, at how much they make, their tricks; they steal and they come to us asking us to put spells on their enemies."

Witches typically earn between $7  and $10 a consultation.

Superstition has been part of Romanian culture for centuries and still holds power over many in the country. Politicians have recently blamed witches for their losses. Former President Mircea Geoana claimed that a bearded mystic's spell cost him the election a year ago.

Romania remains a "fertile breeding ground" for superstitions, psychologist Aurora Liiceanu told the Daily Telegraph.

"This society is inclined to the irrational – it is a culture of superstitious people," she said. "Luck has a great role here, it is a force. Luck and destiny."