President Klaus Iohannis stated, on Thursday, that the difference between the defense allocation of 2.5% of GDP, as a commitment to NATO, and the actual expenses should not be addressed „in accounting manner”.

He added that the allocated money could not be fully spent, including because some purchases could not be made because the products cannot be found due to higher demand than supply.

The second factor, Iohannis pointed out, was the „budgetary difficulties created by inflation and many of the problems we had”.

„Then, the availability, that is the liquid money, did not exist when those who deal with the endowment wanted to spend it and, in this way, many expenses were actually made, but they were not made in calendar year until December 31. A lot was done in early January and February,” he added.

According to the president, these expenses were made for the year 2023, when they were engaged.

AGERPRES