ZAGREB, Dec 11 (Hina) - The parliament's majority on Tuesday adopted the government's amendments to a draft state budget for 2002, in line with which certain internal reallocations will occur. The total budgetary amount of 76.887
billion kuna (approx. US$9.3 million) remains unchanged. Four of the six government amendments were adopted without a discussion and MPs of the opposition's Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), who demanded a recess in order to choose a representative who would present the party's standpoint. They returned only when parliament was voting on the fifth amendment. In line with the amendments, revenues from custom duties are decreased by 50 million kuna, 100 million kuna is secured for the Regional Development Fund, and 20 million for the first instalment of damages to the Esuli. Municipalities, towns, and counties can compete for the 100 million intended for the Fund with projects
ZAGREB, Dec 11 (Hina) - The parliament's majority on Tuesday
adopted the government's amendments to a draft state budget for
2002, in line with which certain internal reallocations will occur.
The total budgetary amount of 76.887 billion kuna (approx. US$9.3
million) remains unchanged.
Four of the six government amendments were adopted without a
discussion and MPs of the opposition's Croatian Democratic Union
(HDZ), who demanded a recess in order to choose a representative who
would present the party's standpoint. They returned only when
parliament was voting on the fifth amendment.
In line with the amendments, revenues from custom duties are
decreased by 50 million kuna, 100 million kuna is secured for the
Regional Development Fund, and 20 million for the first instalment
of damages to the Esuli.
Municipalities, towns, and counties can compete for the 100 million
intended for the Fund with projects aimed at realising significant
programmes, particularly those related to employment.
Funds for national communities have been returned to the amount
envisaged in the revised budget for 2001 - 18 million kuna.
Additional funds have been secured for culture, science and
scientific projects in the amount of 50 million kuna, while 67.5
million have been secured for the judiciary.
On the other hand, expenses for business trips, office costs, and
representation have been cut. Around 140 million kuna will be saved
from a range of other items.
The government was given the "green light" for making certain
changes within the 14.1 billion kuna envisaged for salaries, i.e.
the government can restructure salaries.
The total salaries' amount would stay unchanged, but the government
is determined to continue with the rationalisation of management,
employment, and the cutting of expenses, which make changes in
items referring to salaries logical, the minister of finance, Mato
Crkvenac, said.
(US$1 = 8.27 kuna)
(hina) np sb