ZAGREB, Sept 20 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament on Thursday wrapped up a debate on the package of seven bills aimed at restricting social entitlements. Each bill will be debated separately in the afternoon. MPs of the ruling
coalition's five parties pointed to the need of a social reform, saying current entitlements exceeded economic possibilities. Many MPs advocate introducing more order and fairness in the social care system so that help could go to those really needing it. The opposition, on the other hand, vehemently objects to the bills, saying restrictions of social entitlements will sink the nation demographically, and that they are the consequences of a stand-by arrangement with the International Monetary Fund. MPs of the ruling coalition countered by saying the reform was the result of the difficult economic situation which the incumbent authorities inherited from the former, which were led by today
ZAGREB, Sept 20 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament on Thursday
wrapped up a debate on the package of seven bills aimed at
restricting social entitlements. Each bill will be debated
separately in the afternoon.
MPs of the ruling coalition's five parties pointed to the need of a
social reform, saying current entitlements exceeded economic
possibilities. Many MPs advocate introducing more order and
fairness in the social care system so that help could go to those
really needing it.
The opposition, on the other hand, vehemently objects to the bills,
saying restrictions of social entitlements will sink the nation
demographically, and that they are the consequences of a stand-by
arrangement with the International Monetary Fund.
MPs of the ruling coalition countered by saying the reform was the
result of the difficult economic situation which the incumbent
authorities inherited from the former, which were led by today's
strongest opposition party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).
The Democratic Centre (DC) strongly objects to the bills as they
will harm the citizens, said Vesna Skare-Ozbolt. The DC is aware of
the need to save but social cuts are not a way out of the dire
economic situation, she said.
The Party of Rights/Christian Democrats (HSP/HKDU) bench does not
endorse the bills either, saying the parliament should adopt
principles of social policy before passing any measures. Toncic
Tadic of the HSP also objects to the fact that social care systems on
the local level are not adjusted to that on the state level, which
enables accumulating social entitlements on different grounds.
The HDZ's Jadranka Kosor reiterated that the moved restrictions
would affect families with many children the most, saying this was
contrary to the pro-birth policy.
The Sabor resumed its 16th session with a debate on a bill of
amendments to the law on war veterans' rights.
(hina) ha sb