AMENDMENTS TO STATE BUDGET TO BE AIMED AT ENSURING NECESSARY PAYMENTS UNTIL END OF 2020 - MINISTER

“Soon the Government will present to the Parliament a draft law on making changes to the Law on the State Budget. These are directed to ensuring all the necessary payments for the entire budget year”, said Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance Sergiu Puscuta.

Speaking on the local television on Monday evening, he said that the emergency measures on supporting the economy, published by the Government, will be valid during the period of the state of emergency.

“It is proposed to introduce the lowering of VAT for the HoReCa sector since May 1 for an unlimited period of time. Other measures are valid for the period of the state of emergency to provide help to citizens and economic agents”, the Deputy Premier said.

He stressed that the amendments will imply the replenishment of the Government Reserve Fund and the Intervention Fund.

“36 million lei and, respectively, 19 million lei from these funds were used for buying medical equipment, preparations, protection means for medical staff. We should replenish the Reserve Fund to 50 million lei, which were provided in the budget initially. Also, we have to raise the fund by 150 million lei for contingencies that may occur. Also, it is proposed to raise the Intervention Fund by 300 million lei to use its funds for the needs of the National Health Insurance Company and for medical institutions, involved in combating the coronavirus”, Puscuta said.

According to him, a number of projects is currently discussed, which are financed by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank.

Puscuta said that no official negotiations are held about possible using of funds the EU will allocate for the Eastern Partnership countries.

“It is about 140 million euros for 6 countries. When we have the final decision, we will start negotiations with the EU on the using of these money by Moldova”, Puscuta said.