LOWER HOUSE DISCUSSES SALARIES OF STATE OFFICIALS

( Editorial: --> 6620 ) ZAGREB, Oct 7 (Hina) - The Croatian National Sabor's House of Representatives on Wednesday discussed changes to the Law on Obligations and Rights of State Officials, with emphasis on the salaries of state officials, including those of parliamentary representatives. Since the law adopted in July this year encountered very strong disapproval, MPs were much more cautious in today's debate which lasted several hours. The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) bench has admitted its mistake with regard to the salary of the President of the Republic (around US$8,200), adding that it could be lower. The Opposition believes that the salaries of state officials should be tied with the situation in economy. The salaries of state officials cannot be determined without reference to the average gross salary in the country, said Hrvoje Kraljevic of the Croatian Social-Liberal Party (HSLS). According to the Government proposal, state officials would be the only group which would have a set net salary, meaning that an MP who has seven children would have the same salary as the one with no children, Kraljevic said. The changes proposed by the Government are unacceptable, said Mato Arlovic of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) adding that MPs should share the destiny of their electorate. One should wait for better times, better economy and social situation with the proposed changes, said Zlatko Kramaric of the Liberal Party (LS). Luka Trconic of the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS) had a similar opinion. Damir Kajin of the Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) estimated that neither the ruling party's nor the Opposition's suggestions were good. The IDS believes that the highest salary of state officials should amount to between US$3,500 and 4,000. Anything above it would be insolent, Kajin believes. Radimir Cacic of the Croatian People's Party and Istrian Democratic Forum (HNS-IDF) bench believes that the salary of the President of the Republic should in no way be higher than some US$3,300. Cacic also suggested that ministers share the destiny of their ministries, proposing as an example that the salary of the Education Minister be determined in relation to teachers' salaries. Vladimir Seks (HDZ) suggested that the salary of the President of the Republic be set at some US$5,700 and of the Parliament President at approximately US$4,000. During individual discussions, opposition MPs agreed that the salaries of state officials should follow economic indicators. HDZ MPs argued that salaries in some economic branches reached the amount from US$10,000 to 23,000. Proposals were also heard that the salaries in legislative, executive and judicial sectors should be regulated by a separate law. The lower house will continue its session tomorrow. (hina) rml 072153 MET oct 98