Parl't discusses amendments to budget review

BELGRADE - The Serbian parliament is considering on Sunday a total of 70 amendments to the bill modifying the 2014 budget law and accompanying laws, and after the close of the debate MPs will vote on the regulations.

The Serbian parliament will vote on the budget review and the proposed decisions on giving consent to the decision amending the 2014 financial plan of the national pension and disability insurance fund, then to the decision on the changes to the 2014 financial plan of the national health insurance fund, and the decision amending the financial plan of the national employment service.

MPs will also vote on the bills introducing temporary cuts to public sector salaries and pensions and the bill modifying the law on the central register of mandatory social insurance.

Finance Minister Dusan Vujovic said during the debate in principle that the budget revision is being adopted to lay solid foundations for pending reforms.

"This budget review is introducing a key element of future reforms - reductions in government expenditures," Vujovic said.
Near the end of the debate on Friday that took 12 hours, Vujovic said that the government opted for the smallest possible cuts to pensions and public sector salaries.

On the other hand, the opposition, including the Democratic Party (DS), the New Party (NS) and the New Democratic Party (NDS), criticized the proposed budget review and made it clear that they will not vote for it, their main objection being the announced reduction in salaries and pensions.

Photo Tanjug, R. Prelic