ZAGREB, July 12 (Hina) - A Croatian government intention to expand the circle of state officials did not meet with a positive response among representatives of parliament's House of Counties on Wednesday. In the continuation of an
extraordinary session, Upper House MPs voted against amendments to the Law on Duties and Rights of State Officials, which should implement the government's intention. MPs of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said the amendments were typical of the ruling six-party coalition's inconsistency. Prior to elections they promised to reduce the number of state officials, but reality speaks to the contrary, said HDZ. According to the amendments, the circle of state officials would include the chief state treasurer and his assistants, the Croatian Health Insurance Institute's deputy general manager, and chiefs-of-staff, and agency and directorate heads with the government. HDZ M
ZAGREB, July 12 (Hina) - A Croatian government intention to expand
the circle of state officials did not meet with a positive response
among representatives of parliament's House of Counties on
Wednesday.
In the continuation of an extraordinary session, Upper House MPs
voted against amendments to the Law on Duties and Rights of State
Officials, which should implement the government's intention.
MPs of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said the amendments were
typical of the ruling six-party coalition's inconsistency. Prior
to elections they promised to reduce the number of state officials,
but reality speaks to the contrary, said HDZ.
According to the amendments, the circle of state officials would
include the chief state treasurer and his assistants, the Croatian
Health Insurance Institute's deputy general manager, and chiefs-
of-staff, and agency and directorate heads with the government.
HDZ MPs were also reserved regarding a government bill of
amendments to the Law on Property and Other Proprietary Interests,
according to which units of local self-government could transfer
construction locations to the state directly, without bids.
A government representative asserted such locations could help
provide housing for different categories of citizens, but MPs of
the HDZ said this was in truth a service only to Serb returnees.
Voting on this bill was scheduled for the afternoon.
The Upper House today endorsed amendments to the Tariffs Law and
laws on Value Added Tax and the financing of units of local
government and self-government. These amendments are necessary in
view of adjusting Croatia's legislation ahead of joining the World
Trade Organisation.
(hina) ha jn