Finance Minister Ivan Suker said in an interview with Croatian Television on Wednesday evening that this year there would be no money in the state budget for Christmas bonuses and holiday cash grants, that in possible budgetary cuts salaries and pensions would be reduced last, and that children's and maternity allowances would definitely not be reduced.
Speaking of the budgetary deficit of HRK 3.6 million in the first three months, Suker said that the slower filling of the budget in the first quarter was usual. "The situation is not great, but it is under control," he said in the Croatian Television programme "Dossier.hr".
"We have to talk with the social partners because this year it will simply be impossible to find money to pay Christmas bonuses and holiday cash grants. Talks will also be held on privileged pensions. The only sure thing is that children's and maternity allowances will not be touched," he said.
Speaking of taxes, Suker ruled out the introduction of any new taxes. When the economy recovers, a reduction of taxes will have to be considered, he said.
When asked if there would be a budget revision soon, Suker said that his ministry was following and analysing the situation and that it would make such a suggestion when it decided that it was necessary.
