Kosor: Protests Will Change Nothing

The Minister of Family, Veterans and Intergenerational Solidarity Jadranka Kosor stated on Sunday that Croatia will have a good budget that will continue to stimulate production.

"We have made a frugal budget that will, of course, continue to drive projects that can be a flywheel for production," said Kosor, commenting on President Stjepan Mesić’s statement that production needs to be initiated and that now is not the time for savings, but that savings should have been made earlier. She noted that the Government has not given up anything regarding support for those Croatian citizens who are struggling, including retirees and citizens receiving social welfare. Funds have also been secured for child allowances and for mothers on maternity leave, Kosor told reporters while bringing the Bethlehem light to the Zagreb Cathedral.

When asked whether the Government will manage to gather funds for Christmas bonuses for retirees, Kosor replied that the Government will request a report from the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute on the exact sources of funds for Christmas bonuses by the next session, Thursday or Friday. She reminded that in 2006, 157 million kuna was paid out for Christmas bonuses for retirees, while this year the Government should secure 160 million kuna for Christmas bonuses.

Commenting on the protests that have already taken place, as well as those announced by shipyard workers due to unresolved issues in shipyards, Kosor said that protests in a democratic society are a civil right that cannot be denied, but she assessed that protests will not change anything and that problems must be resolved at the negotiating table. She announced that Deputy Prime Minister Damir Polančec will meet with union representatives from the shipyards on Monday, expressing confidence that a compromise solution to these problems will be reached.

"Both the Government and the unions know that the situation is very difficult and that the Government has so far poured a large amount of money from the budget into the shipyards. The solution to these problems is not only a matter of negotiations with the European Union but also a final solution for all employees in the shipyard," said Kosor. She emphasized that it is in the Government’s interest for people to remain employed and to work, and that she also understands the workers’ concerns. She added that the Government will do everything possible to find a common solution that will not hinder further negotiations and their conclusion and that will be beneficial for the shipyards and production. (H)