He said the IMF board is expected to discuss Romania’s agreement later today.
“We meet all the criteria included in the program. We have resolved the issues regarding Transgaz’s listing, as well as the ones concerning the local and central arrears and the privatization of CFR Marfa,” Ponta told a government meeting.
Romania and the IMF have signed a two-year EUR3.6 billion loan agreement in 2011, successor to a larger EUR13 billion deal secured in 2009. The program was initially due for completion in April this year, but the government has requested a three-month extension to meet a series of IMF requirements, including the privatization of state-run freight rail company CFR Marfa.
The cancelation of government arrears, particularly at the level of the local authorities, has been another sensitive issue during the program, after the government has failed to observe the deadlines set by the international financier.
A positive review of Romania’s program could open the way for a new agreement with the international institution, whereas a negative assessment would mean that the country’s loan program would expire de facto.