ZAGREB, June 28 (Hina) - By the majority of the vote, the Croatian parliament on Thursday adopted a law on the financing of local and regional self-government units, under which a part of commitments in education, health system and
social welfare should be transferred to the local level as of July 1. Representatives of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) failed to participate in a discussion on the last ten amendments and voting on the bill. The law has been passed with 73 votes, but president of the HDZ parliamentary bench Vladimir Seks believes those votes are not sufficient because this is an organic law and over fifty percent of the vote, namely 76 votes, is necessary for its passing. Parliament speaker Zlatko Tomcic said the law did not fit this criterion. Also discussed was an amendment proposed by Marko Baricevic of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), under which tax on uncultiv
ZAGREB, June 28 (Hina) - By the majority of the vote, the Croatian
parliament on Thursday adopted a law on the financing of local and
regional self-government units, under which a part of commitments
in education, health system and social welfare should be
transferred to the local level as of July 1.
Representatives of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) failed to
participate in a discussion on the last ten amendments and voting on
the bill.
The law has been passed with 73 votes, but president of the HDZ
parliamentary bench Vladimir Seks believes those votes are not
sufficient because this is an organic law and over fifty percent of
the vote, namely 76 votes, is necessary for its passing.
Parliament speaker Zlatko Tomcic said the law did not fit this
criterion.
Also discussed was an amendment proposed by Marko Baricevic of the
Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), under which tax on
uncultivated farming land should not be paid. Despite the
government's opposition, the parliament adopted the amendments
with the majority of the vote. However, it has been discovered that
the law was wrongly formulated and that municipalities and towns
could implement the law anyway, while the elderly could be exempt
from paying the tax.
The government adopted an amendment of the Croatian Party of
Rights/the Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HSP/HKDU)
parliamentary bench, under which taxes on vehicles older than ten
years should not be paid. Also adopted was an amendment of the
Croatian Peasants' Party under which island residents will be
exempt from paying taxes on boats necessary for everyday life.
However, taxes will be paid for unused entrepreneur real estate and
building land. Namely, municipalities and towns will be able to
implement two of a total of eight taxes, if assessed as necessary,
and they are also enabled to implement local income taxes.
Over 1.6 billion kuna each year will be earmarked for the financing
of education, health system and welfare for counties,
municipalities and towns.
Also increased will be a share of local self-government units in
joint taxes, which will ensure one third of the necessary funds,
while the state budget will cover the rest.
The government claims the state budget will ensure funds for
counties, municipalities and towns for the financing of new
commitments, adding the funds would be paid on their accounts
regularly as of July 1. Local authorities are obliged to pass budget
revisions by September 30.
(hina) it sb