Benefits policy to get stricter

The Finance Ministry is putting a cap on coronavirus benefits, as the state cash reserves are fast shrinking and will only suffice up until the end of June, ministry sources say. They add that the coming weeks will see a tightening of fiscal policy so as to avoid having to resort to the cash buffer of the European Stability Mechanism, whose disbursement requires terms that have yet to be determined.

The government will exempt civil servants and pensioners from tax breaks, and if the support to workers is to be continued, it will be granted based on the days of their contract suspension.

There will also be no renewal of the tax and social security obligation suspension beyond August 31, which will only concern those already included in the measures announced.

Government policy will from now until the gradual resumption of economic activity be focused on measures...