WEEKLY REVIEW 10

Slovakia now has a plan for the coming four years

A total of 54 pages, 543 sections, 20 735 words, 2 509 lines and 162 010 letters – these are some specific data from the otherwise general document which maps out Slovakia’s direction for the next parliamentary period – the new government’s draft Program Declarations. Decided by the cabinet on Monday, presented to parliament on Tuesday, it should be definitively passed by the chamber on Thursday.

The Government worked on the program for a month and a half, yet it does not contain many precise goals. Why not? Political scientist Juraj Marušiak believes that its wording leaves a great deal of room for maneuvering. If the program had been overly specific, it would be difficult to defend its potential non-fulfillment. Another analyst, Rastislav Tóth, also sees the need for the Government to work among the spaces delineated by “economic groupings connected with political parties” in other words, with sponsors and associated businessmen.

The economic policy of the Fico cabinet rests on the acceptance of the Euro in 2009, support for low-income groups through a VAT reduction, and the halting of privatizations. At the same time it aims to bring about economic growth on a base of five percent annually. “The road to the Euro cannot lead through increases of public expenditures,” commented analyst Ján Tóth, pointing to its unsettling effect. The only specific measure in the field of energy is the completion of the Mochovce nuclear power station.

The Cabinet also wishes to be generous to families, offering a state donation of at least 15, 000 Crowns on the birth of a first child. It is also planning to put a greater number of smaller and cheaper flats on the market for them. During the election campaign, Ján Slota and his SNS talked most about such supports. Sociologist Zuzana Kusá: “This could remove the hardship which often accompanies the birth of a child”. The Government also intends to extend mortgage support bonifikáciu and possibly reduce VAT on flat construction.

Wednesday’s presentation of the Government Program Declarat...

Celý článok si môžete prečítať tu »».