The package of consolidation measures for next year was moved by deputies of the National Council (NR) of the Slovak Republic on Wednesday evening to the second reading. At the same time agreed that the second reading will start next week on Tuesday (23 September) Morning. This vote, which was not attended by opposition MPs to protest, at the same time completed the 6th meeting day of the 39th meeting. On Thursday (18 September) in the morning will start negotiations by proposals from the workshop of the Ministry of Education.
On the draft law to amend certain laws in connection with the consolidation of public finances, Parliament shall negotiate in a shortened legislative procedure. Definitely decides at the current meeting. The debate on the consolidation package in the first reading began on Wednesday morning, MEPs shortened it in advance to a maximum of 12 hours and discussed the proposal until it is fully discussed.
Opposition MPs in the debate criticized the government for the previously failed consolidation and the form of the prepared measureswhich they believe will not help again, but also for limiting the discussion in Parliament. MEPs and Minister of Finance Ladislav Kamenický (Smer-SD), on the other hand, pointed out that the poor state of public finances are responsible for previous governments, in which many representatives of the current opposition were.
For example, a package of measures brings a dissolution of public holidays during some public holidays, shortening the levy holidays for novice tradesmen, progressive appearance of employees’ income or increase health contributions. It is not yet addressed by the investigation of ministries and authorities, but only the changes that affect companies, municipalities and citizens.
Last week, the Minister of Finance announced 22 measures to bring a total of EUR 2.7 billion in savings and more taxes and levies. These include, among other things, reducing the amount of unemployment benefits from the fourth month of receiving benefits, adjustments in the area of tax licenses for zero or low income tax, or a change in value -added tax deduction to 50 % for company cars that are also used for private purposes.
More money should also bring higher taxation of negative externalities. Value added tax (VAT) to selected foods with increased sugar and salt content will increase from 19 to 23 %, which is to bring more than EUR 90 million to the budget. The government wants to raise EUR 54 million to increase the taxation of gambling and the introduction of payments from primary materials such as gravel, sand or stone another € 24 million.
