ZAGREB, Dec 6 (Hina) - Most Croatian members of parliament voted for all of the five government's amendments to the draft state budget for 2003, which, said Finance Minister Mate Crkvenac, envisaged saving 435 million kuna (approx.
EUR58.8 million), of which 160 million kuna will be saved by decreasing the wage budget.
ZAGREB, Dec 6 (Hina) - Most Croatian members of parliament voted for
all of the five government's amendments to the draft state budget
for 2003, which, said Finance Minister Mate Crkvenac, envisaged
saving 435 million kuna (approx. EUR58.8 million), of which 160
million kuna will be saved by decreasing the wage budget. #L#
Budgetary expenditure, including the payment of foreign loans,
would next year amount to about 87.8 billion kuna (approx. EUR12
billion).
Crkvenac said that in relation to the original draft budget
expenses had been reduced by 43.5 million kuna (approx. EUR5.88
million). The first government amendment is aimed at maintaining
the state deficit at five percent of GDP as the borderline
percentage.
The amendment, said the minister, incorporated sections of 61
amendments submitted by MPs requesting cuts in state spending.
The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party bench did not accept the
amendment because, as Jadranka Kosor said, it was illogical to
economise on mine-clearing, while expenses for the parliament were
increased. It is also unacceptable to increase funds for the
Foreign Ministry since the results of Croatia's diplomacy are quite
poor, Kosor said.
The second amendment relates to resources intended for reforms in a
number of ministries, from the agriculture and justice ministries
to the education and science ministries.
This amendment was criticised by the Opposition's Croatian Party of
Rights/Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HSP/HKDU), Croatian
Social Liberal Party (HSLS), HDZ and the Istrian Democratic
Assembly (IDS). They believe that the suggested allocation of funds
for reforms was not clearly and correctly defined.
MPs adopted the government's third amendment without a debate. The
amendment pertains to saving funds worth 160 million kuna by
decreasing the wage budget.
The fourth amendment, envisaging a reduction in the earnings and
expenses of the Croatian Highways company by 200 million kuna
(approx. EUR27 million), a decrease which would not bring intensive
activities in road-construction into question, was adopted without
a debate as well.
With the fifth amendment, the government plans to save 238 million
kuna (approx. EUR32 million) by reducing investments of the
"Croatian Roads" company. The decrease of investments into the
construction of the Zagreb-Split motorway provoked a negative
reaction by HDZ deputies.
MPs should still take a vote on 427 MPs' amendments to the draft
budget.
(hina) lml sb