ZAGREB, Oct 25 (Hina) - Budgetary expenditure next year, excluding the payment of foreign loans, will amount to 80.2 billion kuna (EUR10.8 billion), which is nominally four percent more than this year, when expenditure following
revision will total 77.1 billion kuna (EUR10.4 billion), Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac said on Friday.
ZAGREB, Oct 25 (Hina) - Budgetary expenditure next year, excluding
the payment of foreign loans, will amount to 80.2 billion kuna
(EUR10.8 billion), which is nominally four percent more than this
year, when expenditure following revision will total 77.1 billion
kuna (EUR10.4 billion), Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac said on
Friday. #L#
All economy-related ministries should get more funds next year,
when science and education will remain priorities, Crkvenac told
reporters.
The government should endorse a draft budget for 2003 and a draft
budget revision for 2002 at an extraordinary session next
Wednesday.
The two documents are accompanied by a package of a dozen other
documents and bills.
Amendments to income tax law would raise monthly automatic wage
deductions exempt from taxation from 1,250 to 1,500 kuna, and
introduce a series of benefits, for example the reduction of tax
base on the purchase of medicines, orthopaedic aids, unlimited
treatment abroad, as well as on 50 percent of monthly rents.
It will be possible to reduce the tax base also by purchasing or
building an apartment or a house, or through house loan servicing.
The census for these benefits would be an annual income of 90,000
kuna (EUR12,162), excluding contributions. The benefit would
amount to 1,000 kuna (EUR135) a month.
An amended bill on contributions on compulsory insurance will be
forwarded into second reading. For the work of pupils and students
only the payment of contributions for work-connected injuries is
stipulated. Author's fee royalties will not be subject to the
payment of contributions on compulsory insurance, while the lowest
monthly base will be determined for contributions to be paid by
self-employed artists.
The European Integration Ministry will receive the biggest
increase of 47 percent in budgetary funds, said Crkvenac. Economy-
related ministries follow, with a 15-36 percent increase, and the
Justice Ministry with a 18.6 percent increase in funds.
The Defence Ministry, on the other hand, may expect the heftiest cut
in budgetary funds, Crkvenac said.
(hina) ha sb