Zagreb - Ahead of a parliamentary debate on this year's budget revision, opposition parties on Thursday criticised it, citing falling living standards and rising prices, while the ruling majority lawmakers defended the plan, saying improving living standards was their priority.
Sanja Bježančević (SDP) said the government is improvising and boasting of responsible governance while merely "patching holes it created," warning that inflation is out of control and low-income citizens struggle to make ends meet.
Miro Bulj (Bridge) said the government's inaction on inflation benefits foreign retail chains and telecoms while harming domestic production.
Sandra Benčić (We Can!) questioned how GDP can grow while wages and pensions stagnate, noting local governments had run deficits instead of surpluses.
Marijana Puljak (Centre) called the revision a result of populism ahead of elections, pointing to a growing deficit and public debt and falling investment, particularly in healthcare, science and energy, by over €600 million.
Anka Mrak Taritaš (GLAS) said the revision fails to answer "where this ship is sailing."
Ruling party MPs defended the plan. Predrag Štromar (HNS) praised the government for showing responsibility and adhering to Maastricht criteria.
Miro Totgergeli (HDZ) highlighted a reduction in the deficit compared with original plans, as revenue is going up by €30 million, while expenditure is being cut by €223 million. He said the revision allocates over €1 billion to measures aimed at improving living standards, including higher pensions and public sector wages, parental and social benefits, and investment in healthcare, education and social services.