Minister Stefan: Banks still have a ceiling for Prima Casa program

Minister of Public Finance Viorel Stefan confirmed on Tuesday that banks still have a ceiling for the Prima Casa program. Moreover, should there be a need for it, they can be increased, the minister said.

According to Minister Stefan, if the funds for the program run out, the authorities can supplement it by RON 500 or 600 million. The official made the announcement after a meeting with Romanian PM Sorin Grindeanu.

“I am surprised that the press says there is no ceiling, and I know from the banks that they have a ceiling available for Prima Casa.” If the ceiling is consumed, we have a reserve and we can supplement it, I think we can add up to RON 500 – 600 million” the Finance Minister said.

On the other hand, he said he is nervous regarding budget spending for the first five months.

“I am nervous because I do not have all the information on spending. We will stay in the first five months on a budget balance,” the minister said.

The ‘First House‘ program has reached a record number of applications, with more than 600 new requests being made daily, the National Credit Guarantee Fund for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (FNGCIMM) announced on 25 May.