The Romanian Government approved on Thursday the 2009 state budget and may also approve the main anti-crisis measures, agreed upon with labor unions and employers' associations. The budget draft will be sent to the Parliament on Friday. A preliminary version was adopted last Thursday, but the first version suffered several modifications after negotiations with unions and employers.
PM Emil Boc's statements, after the budget adoption:
- We included several suggestions made by our social partners;
- The state budget and social insurance budget will be sent to the Parliament on Friday;
- We reached a final form for the anti-crisis measures, which was included in the same draft;
- We will focus on European funds absorption;
- Low income persons are a priority in social protection;
- The minimum pensions will grow to 350 RON (some 80 Euros);
- The budget focuses on creating and maintaining jobs;
- In 2009, unemployment will be paid for three month more than usual;
- For the budgetary segment, a unique income law will be discussed and put up until April 15. All wage raises will come after April 15, when we know the financial results of the first quarter;
- For 2009, the Government suggests freezing the wages for all dignitaries.
Then anti-crisis plan, in brief:
- 20% of the budget will go to massive investments in infrastructure;
- The Government's debt is a priority. Without paying the remaining debt, the economy is blocked;
- The re-invested profit will not be subject to taxes, starting in 2010. The impact of this decision will be 3.44 BN RON, representing 0.59 of the GDP;
- Compensating VAT returns with VAT to be paid will be possible;
- CEC and Exim Bank will be capitalized;
- There will be a fund to
