ZAGREB, Dec 28 (Hina) - Croatian Parliament Speaker Zlatko Tomcic said on Thursday the new parliamentary composition has made important steps for Croatia to become a country of true parliamentarism and take the path of integration,
but that it has failed, as has the government, to make its performance more efficient and more to the benefit of all citizens. We have failed to make more serious efforts as regards economic reforms which should make citizens' life easier and more comfortable, Tomcic said commenting on this year's work of the national parliament for Hina and Croatian Radio. The parliamentary speaker is rather optimistic as regards the coming year and is confident that deputies will be able to cope with the new role of the parliament as defined by changes to the Constitution, as well as that in 2001 it will be possible to eliminate at least part of the problems encountered in parliamentary work so far. O
ZAGREB, Dec 28 (Hina) - Croatian Parliament Speaker Zlatko Tomcic
said on Thursday the new parliamentary composition has made
important steps for Croatia to become a country of true
parliamentarism and take the path of integration, but that it has
failed, as has the government, to make its performance more
efficient and more to the benefit of all citizens.
We have failed to make more serious efforts as regards economic
reforms which should make citizens' life easier and more
comfortable, Tomcic said commenting on this year's work of the
national parliament for Hina and Croatian Radio.
The parliamentary speaker is rather optimistic as regards the
coming year and is confident that deputies will be able to cope with
the new role of the parliament as defined by changes to the
Constitution, as well as that in 2001 it will be possible to
eliminate at least part of the problems encountered in
parliamentary work so far. One of them is the lack of quorum, which
has been 'the sore point' of Croatian parliamentarism for several
years, he said.
Tomcic agreed to the remark that better performance by
parliamentary committees would facilitate parliament's overall
functioning. He believes key discussions should be completed by
committees, whereas group sessions would only adopt decisions.
With 73 days in session, the House of Representatives discussed 341
items and adopted 121 laws in nine sessions.
Tomcic is aware a speedy adoption of laws has drawbacks but admits
that this, sometimes, is inevitable. Some laws from the fiscal
area, such as the law on excise taxes, had to be adopted so as to
provide preconditions for the adoption of a restrictive 2001
budget, he says.
The parliament, too, should join in efforts aimed at saving. The
economies cannot be spectacular but the Sabor can set a good example
of how to function economically, Tomcic says, adding there was no
reason for deputies to spend significant amounts for daily
allowances, accommodation, etc.
Asked about the future of the six-party ruling coalition, which
holds the majority of seats in the lower house, Tomcic said he still
saw no serious reason which could jeopardise its survival.
Disputable issues should be solved speedily and effectively, and
this primarily refers to "compliance with the agreed policy in
every detail."
"Resolving state, national and inter-party problems through
unprincipled discussions in the media is not a good way into a
better future for Croatia. We have to be more serious, more tolerant
toward each other and discuss important political issues more, but
we must be consistent in our compliance with what has been agreed,"
Tomcic said.
(hina) rml .