Will Moldova take a Russian loan?
The Government of Moldova today approved the ratification of loan agreements with the Russian Federation and the International Monetary Fund, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
Russia is ready to provide a loan of $200 million, the IMF – of $235 million. These funds will be used to pay off half of Moldova's budget deficit.
“Loans from Russia and the IMF are the only sources of financing this deficit. This means that we can pay salaries to teachers, doctors, police officers and other public sector employees,” said Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Chicu.
Despite this, the Russian loan is criticized not only by the pro-European opposition, but also by the allies of Moldovan President Igor Dodon from the Democratic Party, which was once created by the oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc, who has now fled the country.
“Igor Dodon was unable to agree on a loan with Russia in the interests of his country. The greatest danger is presented by the provisions of Article 7, paragraph 2, which establish that if the outstanding debt or interest on this debt on a government loan or on loans provided by Russian banks to Moldovan borrowers with the consent of the Republic of Moldova are not repaid on time, the Russian side has the right to consolidate all the remaining amount and demand their urgent payment.
Agreements have been signed between Russia and Belarus, but such provisions are included only for the Republic of Moldova. Why was the agreement accepted by the government today in this formula?” said opposition leader Maia Sandu.
Critical questions of similar content were asked today at a government meeting by representatives of the Democratic Party: Deputy Prime Minister for “reintegration” Cristina Lesnik, Defense Minister Alexander Pynzar and Foreign Minister Oleg Tsulya.
Ion Chicu called the criticism unfounded and called on opponents to carefully read the text of the agreement.
“We can return this money, if we have it, at any time, without any penalty. All comments regarding the agreement are baseless. Insinuations about 150% foam are not true. If you read carefully Article 7 of the agreement, you will see that we are not talking about 150%,” Chicu said.
The decision on the loan must be approved by the Moldovan parliament, in which Dodon’s socialists, democrats and pro-Europeans have approximately equal votes.
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