MPs Move Consolidation Package to Second Reading on Wednesday Evening

Bratislava, 18 September (TASR) - MPs moved the package of consolidation measures for next year to the second reading on Wednesday (17 September) evening. At the same time, MPs agreed that the second reading will start on Tuesday (23 September) morning. The sixth day of the ongoing House session was concluded by this vote. The opposition MPs didn't participate in this vote in protest against the shortening of the debate on the law. The session will continue by bills sponsored by the Education Ministry on Thursday morning. Parliament is dealing with the law amending certain legislation in connection with the consolidation of public finances via a fast-track legislative procedure. It will thus definitely decide on it at the current parliamentary session. The consolidation package includes, for example, the cancellation of time off work on some public holidays, shorter tax holidays for new self-employed, more progressive tax on employee incomes and an increase in health-insurance levies. It doesn't address savings at ministries and offices, but only changes that affect companies, municipalities and citizens. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer-SD) last week announced 22 measures that should bring in €2.7 billion in the form of savings and higher tax revenues. ko