Romanian Labor Ministry, IMF Discuss Wage Law, Pensions, Social Assistance Code

„We had general talks on the enforcement of the public sector wage law next year, we discussed the implementation of the new pension system and the social assistance code, which will be sent to Parliament in fall this year,” Lazaroiu said, adding Romanian authorities assured the IMF the code will focus on providing social assistance to the needy.

The minister said authorities are working to eliminate wasteful welfare practices and a three-year strategy has been drawn out.

„Starting next year, we’ll try to lower expenses as much as possible and only provide welfare to people who really need it,” said Lazaroiu.

A joint mission of the International Monetary Fund, European Commission and World Bank is in Romania until August 1 to assess the country’s half-year results under a precautionary stand-by loan agreement.