IMF concerned about Chisinau authority's initiative to reduce some privileges of National Bank's employees
The International Monetary Fund is concerned about the initiative of the Chisinau authorities to reduce some privileges of the National Bank's employees. This is mentioned in a letter signed by the head of the IMF mission in Moldova, Ruben Atoyan, and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament Zinaida Greceanîi, Prime Minister Ion Chicu and the Head of State Igor Dodon.
In its text, the IMF disapproves of Chisinau's intention to eliminate the legal provisions, which cover the costs of representation in the courts for NBM officials. The international institution writes that this proposal could threaten the independence of the National Bank.
The IMF also says that ensuring legal protection for NBM employees is a key element that corresponds to international best practices, which refers to ensuring the autonomy of central banks. In the end, foreign experts strongly recommend the Chisinau authorities to align the Law on the National Bank of Moldova with international standards.
The letter was published on the Facebook page of the president of the PRO MOLDOVA parliamentary group, Andrian Candu.
IMF representatives in Chisinau confirmed to Publika TV that they had sent such a letter to the Government, Parliament and the Presidency, but refused to send us its text due to confidentiality reasons. Vitalie Dragancea, the prime minister's adviser, stated that he has not seen this approach yet.
Two days ago, Prime Minister Ion Chicu posted a message on Facebook in which he reproached the NBM leadership for complaining to the IMF about the fact that the state threatens the institution's independence. In the same post, Chicu writes that the Government is preparing a draft law on reducing the privileges of NBM employees.
The Prime Minister claims that, in addition to the salaries of hundreds of thousands of lei that they receive monthly, they also benefit from the services of lawyers paid from state money. In reply, the NBM claims that all the protection measures of the institution's employees correspond to the international requirements.