ZAGREB, May 21 (Hina) - The ruling coalition benches in the Croatian parliament on Wednesday endorsed a final bill of amendments to the social welfare law, while the opposition announced it would abstain in the vote unless the sponsor
-- the government -- scrapped the establishment of a social welfare institute.
ZAGREB, May 21 (Hina) - The ruling coalition benches in the Croatian
parliament on Wednesday endorsed a final bill of amendments to the
social welfare law, while the opposition announced it would abstain
in the vote unless the sponsor -- the government -- scrapped the
establishment of a social welfare institute. #L#
The benches of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Croatian Bloc,
Democratic Centre, and the Social Liberals were expressly against
the founding of the institute because it would mean spending more
money on administration than on care for socially endangered
citizens.
The opposition also reproached the incumbent authorities for
revoking many social welfare rights, and stated the majority of the
proposed changes actually meant new restrictions.
The ruling coalition benches countered by saying social spending
and the number of welfare beneficiaries had increased in the three
and a half years the current cabinet had been in office.
The proposed amendments will lead to the adjustment of
beneficiaries' rights to the state's possibilities, said Miroslav
Furdek of the Croatian Peasant Party.
Stating that Croatia does not have enough facilities for care for
the elderly, both the opposition and the ruling benches supported
the establishment of homes for elderly people in need of in-patient
care.
The benches were agreed that all engaged in social welfare, both
physical and legal persons, should be supervised permanently.
Jadranka Kosor of the HDZ sought special support for families with
many children.
Parliament will vote on the bill in the continuation of the 32nd
session.
(hina) ha