The central authorities are disposed to examine investment projects for Chisinau, as long as they are well-grounded and there are no local possibilities to finance them, PM Vasile Tarlev told reporters after the Government meeting on August 1. “If the Chisinau authorities are unable or lack possibilities, the central authorities will examine any well-grounded and non-populistic request for financial assistance”, the prime minister said. Asked if the Government will contribute to settling the debt of 150 million lei that the municipality owes to the heat supplier (Termocom), the prime minister said that the local authorities should submit a formal request before examining such a possibility. However, Tarlev gave to understand that heat and water supplies for the residents of the capital city are within the competence of the Chisinau administration. Vasile Tarlev has pointed out that he will cooperate in an efficient and constructive manner with the public authorities at all levels, no matter their political colour. The Government is awaiting proposals and will assist investment projects depending on the capacities of the State. The prime minister has refuted the allegations that the government intends to hinder the activity of the non-communist authorities. Upset by the outcomes of the local elections, President Vladimir Voronin has recently stated that, though the central authorities cannot stay indifferent to what is going on at local level, they will not be able to get involved in road repairs in Chisinau, in solving problems related to the quality of the public transport, tariffs for water and heat supplies.