ZAGREB, March 29 (Hina) - Parliament on Thursday concluded a debate on a bill of amendments to a law on the financing of local and regional self-government. MPs were mostly critical of new tax burdens for the citizens. Regardless of
party belonging, MPs criticised a government motion to introduce new taxes for the financing of local self-government. They said the government wished to decentralise powers but not the money, and that only two of 20 counties were capable of financing requirements in education, health, and the social sector. Some opposition MPs proposed delaying the enforcement of the amended law for early next year. Despite numerous criticisms, only the Croatian Democratic Union, the strongest opposition party, said it would vote against the bill, due to the introduction of new taxes and rates. Deputy Finance Minister Damir Kustrak said on behalf of the government at the end of the debate the redistribution of income tax betwe
ZAGREB, March 29 (Hina) - Parliament on Thursday concluded a debate
on a bill of amendments to a law on the financing of local and
regional self-government. MPs were mostly critical of new tax
burdens for the citizens.
Regardless of party belonging, MPs criticised a government motion
to introduce new taxes for the financing of local self-government.
They said the government wished to decentralise powers but not the
money, and that only two of 20 counties were capable of financing
requirements in education, health, and the social sector.
Some opposition MPs proposed delaying the enforcement of the
amended law for early next year.
Despite numerous criticisms, only the Croatian Democratic Union,
the strongest opposition party, said it would vote against the
bill, due to the introduction of new taxes and rates.
Deputy Finance Minister Damir Kustrak said on behalf of the
government at the end of the debate the redistribution of income tax
between the state and local regions would retain the current
standard in health, education, and social welfare on the county,
town, and municipal levels.
The introduction of new taxes would improve the financial situation
on the regional level, he said, adding the regions can but do not
have to introduce rates on income tax and other, new taxes.
Parliament votes on the bill on Friday.
(hina) ha sb