Jurčić and Čačić would reduce the number of taxes and contributions

Our goals are aligned, and even our tactics are similar. The question is only who can achieve those goals. These are the words with which Radimir Čačić summarized the pre-election debate on economic programs held on Thursday in Zagreb.

The debate, which included economic experts from HDZ, SDP, HNS, HSLS, and HSP, was marked by a consensus on all major issues, along with occasional jabs among the trio Damir Polančec, Radimir Čačić, and Ljubo Jurčić. The issue of tax policy may be the only topic on which the economic representatives of the five largest parties took different stances, as Polančec revealed that the tax system would not change in the next two years if HDZ remains in power. In contrast, Jurčić and Čačić clearly opted for a reduction in the number of taxes and cuts in contributions.

Polančec highlighted the achievement of economic growth above seven percent and a reduction in survey unemployment to seven percent as the most important economic goal of HDZ. Speaking about the goals of their programs, the other debate participants referred to the low rate of economic growth, which prompted Polančec to speak about the investments the government has made in the last four years.
– Yes, Croatia has been investing between 26 and 28 percent of GDP each year in recent years, but other countries achieve higher economic growth rates with much less investment – Jurčić replied.

When it came to the problem of passing many laws whose implementation is delayed afterward, it was heard that laws in Croatia are produced at a high speed, but afterward remain dead letters on paper.
– There are problems in the application of some laws, and one must wait for the adoption of subordinate legislation and regulations, but I do not share your opinion – Polančec told the others.
– Over-regulation, which is our passion, shows that we are not a mature country, because changing the law cannot change the situation – Čačić agreed.

Foreign investments turned out to be perhaps the most interesting topic for the debate, as the data on attracting only 3,108 euros per capita cumulatively from 1993 to 2006 revealed somewhat sharper views. Thus, Davor Štern, an economic expert from HSLS, stated that the cost of labor is too high, and labor legislation is inflexible, which protects the lazy and harms workers.
– We propose that jobs be protected, not workers. A worker, if good, does not need protection – Štern said.
– If we cannot further educate the necessary workforce from our unemployed to be more competitive, then we need to import it – Jurčić was determined.

During the debate, Polančec revealed that the plans for the restructuring of the Croatian Privatization Fund have also partially changed. Namely, despite the announcement that HFP would become a closed investment fund, Polančec stated that several funds would emerge from HFP, and the companies that will manage them will be selected through an international tender. (Tatjana Brebrić)