ZAGREB, April 17 (Hina) - Croatian MP's on Wednesday continued their polemics over who amongst them spent more for travel and hotel accommodation. MP Jadranka Reihl-Kir (SDP) denied claims by MP Branimir Glavas (HDZ) that her travel
expenses, paid by the Sabor, were higher than his.
ZAGREB, April 17 (Hina) - Croatian MP's on Wednesday continued
their polemics over who amongst them spent more for travel and hotel
accommodation. MP Jadranka Reihl-Kir (SDP) denied claims by MP
Branimir Glavas (HDZ) that her travel expenses, paid by the Sabor,
were higher than his. #L#
Reihl-Kir pointed out in a statement that Glavas had said on
"Obiteljski Radio" that the "Sabor paid her around 80,000 kuna last
year to cover her travel costs, which is 15 percent more than paid
him".
The SDP deputy denied claims that her expenses last year amounted to
18,280 kuna and 5,450 kuna this year, which she says is several
times less than Glavas was paid.
Glavas told Hina that he did speak about Reihl-Kir's (who is also
from Osijek) travel expenses on 'Obiteljski Radio', mentioning
that he "estimated her total expenses were 15 percent higher than
his". He arrived at this conclusion by comparing his travel
expenses with her accommodation expenses in Zagreb, with an average
price per overnight stay of 540 kuna, he said.
In keeping with a decision on the accommodation of MP's, the MPs,
including MP Reihl-Kir, have the right to hotel accommodation for
the time of Sabor sittings. Glavas said that he did not stay in
hotels but just claimed travel costs for the use of his own
vehicle.
The case concerning expenses incurred by MP's was brought to light
recently when the secretary of the Croatian Sabor refused to
reimburse Glavas for the travel costs he considered were due to
him.
The Sabor Secretariat presented journalists with details
concerning Glavas's travel costs from Osijek to Zagreb, which last
year amounted to 68,363 kuna and in the first three months of this
year amounted to around 9,000 kuna.
Sabor Speaker Zlatko Tomcic announced that he would conduct a
detailed investigation into the "MPs' extravagant expenses", and
punish possible misconduct.
Last week Glavas filed a suit with the State Prosecutor's Office (in
connection with travel expenses) against himself and the Sabor
secretary. Glavas said that he sued himself as a deputy in his
capacity as a citizen so that the court could establish the truth
about his expenses.
(hina) sp sb