Government Decision on Cost Cutting for Minister Nada Šikić is Populist and Unnecessary

The government unanimously adopted a decision on the conditions for the use of official cars, mobile phones, regular airline routes, business credit cards, representation funds, and the approval process for official travel on Wednesday.

Explaining the decision, Minister of Administration Dubravka Jurlina Alibegović (Most) briefly stated that it aims to strengthen the purposeful, economical, and efficient use of budgetary resources. However, Minister of Labor and Pension System Nada Šikić stated that she considers the decision, although signed on behalf of her ministry, to be extremely populist and unnecessary.

– Although I signed the decision on behalf of the ministry, I believe it is extremely populist and unnecessary, said Minister Šikić.

According to the decision, limits for official mobile phones are introduced by regulation, with a monthly limit of 400 kuna for state officials of the II and III groups, which previously did not exist. This group includes the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Deputy Secretary General of the Government, deputy ministers, directors of police, customs and tax administrations, as well as the Government spokesperson. The limit for state employees will be 150 kuna, while it was previously 400 kuna.

The use of airline routes will only be possible for official purposes based on an official travel order, which was not previously stipulated, and there is also an obligation to regulate the use of representation funds through an internal act.

For official travel, limits are introduced on the category of accommodation, which must not exceed hotels with 4 stars, with the stipulation that the head of the body can approve accommodation of a higher category based on a reasoned written request from the immediate user if it is necessary for the performance of tasks.

Business credit cards may only be used by state officials exclusively for official purposes, and the use of official cars with official drivers is also restricted, while the management of the vehicle fleet will be standardized through the development of guidelines.

According to media reports, the government will adopt the guidelines by conclusion, which will determine the class of vehicles, recommended mileage per year, consolidated vehicle management, practical use of vehicles, and more, considering that this involves very high funds and potential for savings in economic and ecological terms, the government explains.