Parliament Definitively Passes Package of Consolidation Measures for Next Year

Bratislava, 25 September (TASR) - Parliament definitively approved the package of consolidation measures for next year on Wednesday (24 September) evening, with 78 of the 79 MPs present for the vote backing the draft. Parliament dealt with the draft law amending certain legislation in connection with the consolidation of public finances via a fast-track legislative procedure. More than 40 MPs were still registered to speak when the debate was cut short on Wednesday. The opposition condemned the early termination of parliamentary debate on the consolidation bill, calling it a violation of basic democratic principles, an act of arrogance, and a display of dictatorial behaviour. 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) recently announced 22 measures that should bring in €2.7 billion in the form of savings and higher tax revenues. ko