Final day for IMF negotiations

Several voices were speaking about €19-20 billion, to be used to support the RON/euro exchange rate, to finance de budget deficit and for specific projects.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Dan Nica said that, if an agreement is not signed, the country could remain without funds for salaries and pensions.

Meanwhile, Romania's representative to the IMF, Mihai Tanasescu, said that the funds will be granted in five to six steps in the coming two years. Speaking about a rumored freeze of pensions and salaries, he said that authorities will be allowed to choose their increase level, as long as they fit into the agreed budget frame. Furthermore, he said no tax hike will be made in 2009 and that rumors regarding an increase in fuel excises as of April 1 are false.