The government approved on Monday, in an extraordinary session, an emergency financial package worth 300 million lei (60 million euros) to support Salrom and the companies affected by the floods that paralyzed activities in Salina Praid, Harghita County.
The measure comes in the context of an unprecedented disaster: for the first time in history, the salt mine was completely flooded, and the exploitation activities were indefinitely suspended.
Minister of Finance, Tanczos Barna, announced that from this general budget, 100 million lei will be immediately available after the approval of the state aid scheme by ministerial order.
"We already have support from ANAF to identify the affected companies. The Ministries of Finance and Economy are finalizing the necessary order these days to activate the support," stated Tanczos Barna.
The measures mainly target Salrom and the companies that were engaged in tourism, recreation, and treatment activities in the underground of the salt mine.
There are currently no households or individuals affected in the Praid area, the official specified.
There are two state aid schemes in question.
The first aims directly at repairing the damages caused by the floods, for the operator of this salt mine - Salrom, as well as for all companies that conducted economic activities underground and automatically see their economic activities destroyed.
The second targets the 200 companies that depended on the tourist attraction of Salina Praid, economic agents in the hospitality industry, accommodation units, restaurants, wellness facilities, and so on, which obviously have a compromised summer season in 2025.
"In practical terms, for the over 200 companies, starting yesterday, a state secretary colleague who manages the tourism segment at the ministry is present on-site, holding meetings with representatives of the local public administration and with each of these companies.
Currently, database analyses are being conducted for the establishment of this funding mechanism that cannot exceed 300,000 euros per company," explained Ivan.
The minister clarified that it is a model similar to that used during the pandemic.
Another important aspect announced on Monday is the assurance of salaries for the 140 employees of Salina Praid until the end of 2025.
"Salaries are fully covered until December 31, 2025, according to the mechanism adopted today," stated Minister of Economy, Bogdan Ivan.
Concurrently, the Government has initiated procedures to attract European funds through a dedicated support mechanism, although the amount that could be obtained from the European Commission has not been communicated yet.
For Covasna County, where damages have been reported at the household level, authorities are preparing a separate government decision.