The opposition was agreed that with the 2005 budget and its draft revision the government showed its inability regarding the fiscal policy, that it was not development-oriented, and that it was buying social peace by investing in spending instead of in development.
The opposition pointed the finger at the government for disregarding the fact that the economic growth early this year was a mere 1.8 per cent and that the GDP was falling by the year.
Finance Minister Ivan Suker dismissed the accusations, saying the government was continuing with development and the necessary reforms, and that the economic trends over the last three years were positive.
Sime Prtenjaca of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said the budget revision did not threaten either the social, the economic or the development policy, but ensured their stability, as well as the stability of prices, inflation and other trends.
Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks estimated the debate on the budget revision might last into the night.