According to sources close to discussions between the Romanian government and the IMF, the international fund will not prove as lenient as before in terms of targeted goals. Even though Romania managed to maintain control over its budget deficit in the first six months, by postponing payments, the state has exceeded its arrear target by some RON 500 million (about €117 mln), namely outstanding debts to companies with which it has concluded contracts. During its most recent evaluation in August, the IMF agreed to a budget deficit of 7.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), compared to the 4.6 percent initially agreed upon. It likewise approved that half of the €1.85 billion second tranche of its loan to Romania be spent to finance the budget deficit.
