ZAGREB, June 27 (Hina) - A bill on transfer of a part of financial obligations in education, health care and social welfare from the state level to local authorities as of July 1 was supported by MPs of the ruling five-party coalition
in the Sabor, while the opposition asked for the postponement. Representatives of the strongest opposition party - HDZ - are in favour of decentralisation but they are against adopting a law on the financing local self-government just a few days before it should go in force. In addition, new authorities have not yet been established in some units of local self-government since the recent elections. HDZ members are also against the introduction of new taxes or an increase in the current levies. MPs of the five ruling parties maintain that the authorities should embark on the decentralisation and insist on the adoption of the law immediately. Opposition MPs expressed
ZAGREB, June 27 (Hina) - A bill on transfer of a part of financial
obligations in education, health care and social welfare from the
state level to local authorities as of July 1 was supported by MPs of
the ruling five-party coalition in the Sabor, while the opposition
asked for the postponement.
Representatives of the strongest opposition party - HDZ - are in
favour of decentralisation but they are against adopting a law on
the financing local self-government just a few days before it
should go in force. In addition, new authorities have not yet been
established in some units of local self-government since the recent
elections.
HDZ members are also against the introduction of new taxes or an
increase in the current levies.
MPs of the five ruling parties maintain that the authorities should
embark on the decentralisation and insist on the adoption of the law
immediately.
Opposition MPs expressed fear that standard would fall in the
schooling system, public health and social welfare and that cuts in
salaries along with new taxes would further impoverish citizens.
MPs of the ruling coalition asserted that a chance would now be
offered to local authorities to raise the standard of citizens and
organise the life in their areas in a better way.
A parliamentary discussion on the bill of amendments to the law on
financing local and regional self-government was over on Wednesday
afternoon, and the Croatian parliament should vote on it tomorrow
morning.
(hina) sb ms