On Monday, Independent MP Marin Lerotić made an announcement that he will not support the state budget for 2024. He cited it as an inflated budget that fails to address the issues faced by citizens. Lerotić plans to submit around 20 amendments totaling 200 million euros.
The debate on the state budget for 2024 is currently ongoing in Parliament, and Lerotić pointed out that next year being super-elective, the budget appears to be super-elective as well. He expressed concern over the planned record deficit of four billion euros in the budget. He highlighted the fact that revenues are projected to grow by three percent, while expenditures are expected to increase by 11 percent.
Lerotić criticized the government for not addressing the problems faced in healthcare, stating that it remains a bottomless pit with unresolved issues. He also raised issues with the allocation of funds in the budget, pointing out a 70 percent increase in expenditures for public sector employees, while the budget for the Ministry of Economy’s stimulation of investments, industry, exports, and innovation is reduced by 52 percent. Additionally, he noted that defense expenditures are increased while education expenses are cut.
In response to these concerns, Lerotić announced his plans to submit amendments worth 200 million euros, focusing on investments in youth development and education, sports infrastructure development, road and port infrastructure development, innovation and new technologies development and affordable housing construction. He emphasized on investment on young people’s future as key priority of government should be.
Furthermore he proposed an increase in funds for violence prevention against and among young people and ensuring transportation for students. Additionally he expressed disappointment with government’s failure to promptly address instances of Ustasha salutes in Vukovar stressing need for action and condemnation of such behavior.
Overall Lerotić’s speech was focused on highlighting problems with current state budget plan and proposing solutions aimed at improving lives of citizens through investing on their future needs including housing , education , sports infrastructure development etc