ZAGREB, March 14 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's House of Counties will resume a debate on a draft state budget for this year on Wednesday, given that about 40 MPs registered to speak. During Tuesday's addresses, MPs, mainly from
the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), put forward a series of remarks about the draft budget. Most pointed to the fact that funds planned for the reconstruction of war-ravaged areas and care for refugees and displaced persons were too low. The government was also criticised for cutting earmarking for road-building and the stimulation of entrepreneurship, and for not earmarking more for agriculture. On the other hand, MPs from the ruling coalition endorsed the draft budget, drawing attention to the difficult economic situation. They said the representatives of the HDZ, Croatia's formerly ruling party, ought to be aware that their government was to blame for the present
ZAGREB, March 14 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's House of
Counties will resume a debate on a draft state budget for this year
on Wednesday, given that about 40 MPs registered to speak.
During Tuesday's addresses, MPs, mainly from the Croatian
Democratic Union (HDZ), put forward a series of remarks about the
draft budget.
Most pointed to the fact that funds planned for the reconstruction
of war-ravaged areas and care for refugees and displaced persons
were too low. The government was also criticised for cutting
earmarking for road-building and the stimulation of
entrepreneurship, and for not earmarking more for agriculture.
On the other hand, MPs from the ruling coalition endorsed the draft
budget, drawing attention to the difficult economic situation.
They said the representatives of the HDZ, Croatia's formerly ruling
party, ought to be aware that their government was to blame for the
present situation and the enormous debts it left behind.
These debts are so high that it will take us several years to repay
them, MPs said during today's debate, pointing out those debts were
the reason why a major part of the economy was blocked and many
companies faced bankruptcy.
The draft state budget for this year envisages 3.6 billion kuna
(US$450 million) to cover old debts, primarily in the economy,
which is hoped to provide economic stimuli. MPs from the ruling
coalition say it is the only possibility for Croatia to come out of
the economic crisis.
The demands are many, the funds are low, and this year should be a
year of saving and austerity, the MPs say, adding the next budget
will be less restrictive.
(hina) ha jn