The energy crisis that erupted at the beginning of this year in Transnistria seems to have triggered a financial crisis, the first signs of which are already being felt in the administration of the self-proclaimed republic’s leader. At least three sources – from the leader’s administration, banking circles and the so-called government – have stated this in discussions with IPN.
Each of the interlocutors made it understood that the institutions they represent have been actively working in recent weeks on developing a plan to “optimize” budgetary expenses and identify additional sources of funding for the rapidly increasing deficit.
Deadline – mid-June
The most affected are the social sector and large industrial enterprises – very important for the Transnistrian economy. According to a source from the so-called region’s government, in companies where staff cuts have previously taken place, employees are now leaving on their own: “some have not received their salaries since March, while others were only partially paid for April”.
Two sources from the agency – one from the banking system and the other from the regional administration – state that the authorities of the self-proclaimed republic are considering the possibility of seeking assistance from the Russian Federation, worth several hundred million dollars. However, neither source was able to specify at what level the negotiations are taking place and what type of assistance is being discussed – grant or credit.
Both sources have invoked the inability to disclose further details, stating that the discussions have been in an active phase for two weeks, and the “deadline” for making a decision is set for mid-June, as without assistance, “the situation could become critical” by August.
Meanwhile, fiscal authorities have intensified their efforts to complete the budget, as the situation in the budget sector “does not satisfy the leadership”. According to sources, in some counties, teachers have not received their salaries for April or are forced to take unpaid leave during the summer. This information is confirmed by posts and comments from residents of the region in Viber and Telegram groups, which the so-called local authorities cannot control.
Officially, the de facto authorities of the region prefer not to talk about the financial problems that Transnistria is facing. The Transnistrian press, under the control of the regime, either does not write about this, or approaches the subject in a veiled manner.
Chisinau does not have access to the region to assess the extent and consequences of the crises, but sources from the Government of the Republic of Moldova claim that the situation is “under control” and that everything happening on the right bank is closely monitored.
