ZAGREB, Feb 26 (Hina) - Prior to Saturday's closed government session on a draft state budget for this year, Croatia's ministers gave various assessments of the funds planned for their ministries, some voicing satisfaction, others
saying the draft was completely unacceptable. Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac earlier this week announced the budget for 2000 would revolve around US$5.9 billion, which nominally is five percent less, and in real terms 12 percent less than last year. Even though before today's session Deputy Finance Minister Damir Kustrak voiced hope the amount would be acceptable to all, several ministers voiced dissatisfaction, especially Public Works, Reconstruction and Construction Minister Radimir Cacic. "This is completely unacceptable, we can dissolve the ministry if it stays so," Cacic said before the session, adding he was dissatisfied because the draft
ZAGREB, Feb 26 (Hina) - Prior to Saturday's closed government
session on a draft state budget for this year, Croatia's ministers
gave various assessments of the funds planned for their ministries,
some voicing satisfaction, others saying the draft was completely
unacceptable.
Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac earlier this week announced the
budget for 2000 would revolve around US$5.9 billion, which
nominally is five percent less, and in real terms 12 percent less
than last year.
Even though before today's session Deputy Finance Minister Damir
Kustrak voiced hope the amount would be acceptable to all, several
ministers voiced dissatisfaction, especially Public Works,
Reconstruction and Construction Minister Radimir Cacic.
"This is completely unacceptable, we can dissolve the ministry if
it stays so," Cacic said before the session, adding he was
dissatisfied because the draft budget "does not envisage, i.e.
cancels funds for the return of the displaced, reconstruction and
house-building."
Justice Minister Stjepan Ivanisevic is satisfied with funds
envisaged for salaries, but not so with decreased sums for capital
investments in his ministry.
Defence Minister Jozo Rados confirmed budgetary funds for his
ministry would be cut. "The budget itself will be cut, but there
remain high debts, and the government will have to pass some sort of
decision on this," he said, reminding the Defence Ministry budget
was burdened by much that did not belong there.
Prior to today's session, none of the ministers wanted to brief the
press on concrete sums planned for their ministries.
Culture Minister Antun Vujic said budgetary earmarking for culture
was higher, voicing hope that in discussing the draft "the
ministers will show understanding for various requirements and
their harmonisation."
Environmental Protection and Zoning Minister Bozo Kovacevic was
satisfied with the draft, which he said was consistent with
previous agreements, as well as with earmarking for his ministry.
Tourism Minister Pave Zupan Ruskovic, who did not see the draft
budget, voiced hope it contained everything she asked for her
ministry - subsidies, support, and tourist promotion.
(hina) ha