Social measures in times of pandemic

Authorities are discussing a new set of social measures

Corina Cristea, 09.10.2020, 14:00

On Thursday Romania reported over
3,000 COVID infections, reported in the last 24 hours. On the same day, the Government sanctioned a six-month
extension for the additional 2,000 medical staff needed in healthcare and
emergency medical care services across the country. The Government also passed
a memorandum on taking out a €250 million loan from the European Investment
Bank for the Emergency Regional Hospital in Iasi, Finance Minister Florin Cîţu has announced at the end of the Government meeting.
The total value of the investment stands at €500 million, half being funded
from EU structural funds while the other half from the state budget. This loan
is meant to support investment until we attract European funds, to prevent
delays and start building this hospital, Minister Cîţu said. During this meeting the Government also debated an emergency
decree on several fiscal measures and amending a number of laws. One of the
provisions refers to payment facilities for outstanding budget liabilities
incurred after the introduction of the state of emergency on March 16 and until
October 25. The measure addresses companies affected by restrictions imposed by
the authorities to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The measure is bound to
simplify procedures for filing for scheduled payment of obligations over a
period of 12 months, the Finance Minister said. Florin Cîţu also outlined
which companies can access this payment facility:

All companies without overdue obligations to the state budget
prior to the state of emergency and companies that are currently not in formal
insolvency proceedings. Here we will introduce a separate regulation. All companies
currently in insolvency proceedings but which have managed to pay their
outstanding debt and have submitted their financial statements will also become
eligible.

The authorities say the measure will support taxpayers who’ve
had difficulties due to the lack of financial assets. On the other hand, the
measure might also secure constant and certain budget revenues. Another provision
in the said emergency decree, which is under debate until the next Government meeting,
is set to extend until December 2 the deadline for introducing a 50% discount on
property tax. Landowners can thus file their requests until December 21.

(Translated by V. Palcu)