The authorities expect the GDP will reach 657-659 billion lei (EUR148 billion to EUR148.6 billion) in 2014, up from RON625.5 billion forecast this year, people familiar with the discussions told Mediafax Monday.
However, the parties have yet to agree on the fiscal measures aimed to balance up an estimated deficit of RON5 billion due to government spending in 2014, mostly on salaries and pensions, the mentioned people said.
The ruling coalition recently announced plans to increase the minimum wage in two steps next year, as well as a pension hike.
Potential measures to diminish the negative impact on the 2014 budget include increasing the level of excise duties as well as introducing new taxes in the construction sector.
Joint teams from the IMF and the European Commission arrived in Bucharest on October 22 for the first review of Romania’s progress under a EUR4 billion loan program approved earlier this year. (EUR1=RON4.4356)