CRO GOVT PROPOSES SMALLER BASIC WAGE OF STATE OFFICIALS

ZAGREB, Feb 23 (Hina) - After only half an hour, the Croatian National Sabor's House of Representatives on Wednesday took an hour-long break so that parliamentary committees could discuss the newest amendment of the Croatian Government in line with which basic wage of state officials would amount to 85 percent of an average wage in 1999, and not the entire average wage. Immediately at the beginning of this afternoon's continuation of the session of the Lower House, on behalf of the Government, first Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic proposed amendments to final bills on salaries of state officials and other judicial employees. The proposed amendment on basic wage of 85 percent of the average wage would include state officials and judges. Because of the importance of the amendment and because the Government proposed it only this afternoon, president of the committee for the constitution, rule book, and political system Mato Arlovic asked for a break so committees could discuss amendments. In line with the amendment, salaries of state officials would be about 40 less than so far, which the ruling coalition promised in its electoral campaign. The amendment followed after disapproval of the Opposition and a part of the public of a bill according to which salaries of officials would, on average, be 25 percent less. In case the Sabor passes the amendment, salaries of the president of the Sabor and the Prime Minister would amount to DM3,875 instead of DM6,250. President of the House of Counties and the Deputy Prime Minister would receive salaries amounting to DM3,680. Salaries of vice presidents of House of Representatives and the governor of the Croatian National Bank would amount to DM3,550, while representatives in the parliament would receive DM2,711. (hina) it jn