Zagreb, 31 August – Two budged amendments and four important laws adopted during summer have not been discussed by the Economic and Social Council, which did not function for two months, for a reason that the Government did not appoint its representatives.

Economic and Social Council last time met at the end of June. Last meeting was held two days before Prime Minister Ivo Sanader resigned, and after change of Government the Council formally ceased to exist since the Government did not appoint its representatives until few days ago. As the result, during the summer Government passed two budget amendments and four laws directly influencing the citizens’ standard without discussion in the Council.

“Special tax on salaries, retirements and other income, Law on salaries in local self-government, law amendments substantially decreasing unemployment benefit and amendments of the Law on VAT have all been adopted without discussion in the Social and Economic Council, which is unacceptable”, stated UATUC President Ana Knežević.

The Government says that appointments were late due to “everything that has happened during the summer”, but emphasises that no important decisions have been taken without consultations with the social partners.