Chicu: Chisinau Is Ready to Refuse Assistance from IMF and EU

Authorities can refuse IMF financial assistance if in return they are forced to agree to conditions that are contrary to national interests, in particular, to increase the gas tariff for consumers. This was announced by Prime Minister Ion Chicu, ria.ru reports. In November 2017, a memorandum was signed in Brussels on the provision of macro-financial assistance to Moldova by the European Union in the amount of 100 million Euros, with 40 million Euros as a grant, and 60 million as soft loans. Moldova received the first 30 million Euros tranche in November last year. We have already begun to fulfill the conditions for obtaining the second tranche, it is obvious that the general terms remain, including the availability of an agreement with the IMF, ensuring democracy, etc. We will do our best to maintain relations with the IMF, but if the fund insists on its own terms, we are ready to step back from these terms and external financial support,” Chicu announced on Monday on TVR Moldova channel. At the same time, the prime minister noted that he sees “flexibility” in relations with the IMF, so he believes that the current program with the fund can be successfully completed in March. Chicu also does not rule out the launch of a new cooperation program from April. Earlier, Chicu said that the republic could take a break in relations with the International Monetary Fund if the latter is against investment in infrastructure development and continues to insist on the need to increase the gas tariff. At the same time, Moldova agreed on a loan with the Russian authorities in order to build roads in the country.