BRATISLAVA, October 7, (WEBNOVINY) — The Finance Ministry wants to slim down the public administration and make it more efficient and transparent. The ministry prepared tasks for the whole Cabinet based on these goals. The process should result, for instance, in a list of superfluous assets that can be sold or in suggestions for institutional changes, such as mergers or cancellations of some offices. Finance Minister Ivan Miklos indicated at Thursday’s news conference that the latter could concern regulatory authorities, for instance. “We have too many regulatory offices. I do not see a reason why they could not function as one office. I can mention this because we have already talked about that matter,” he added.
The summary of all tasks will be submitted for a Cabinet session in the form of a proposal to bolster the efficiency of the public sector and improve the state of general government finances. The material contains 43 tasks to attain systemic spending cuts within the state’s performance. These measures were not included in next year’s draft state budget. Miklos explained that there was little time left this year to include tools for more efficient functioning of the public sector.
The ministries are supposed to prepare solutions based on the principle that the general government sector will carry out only activities that can be implemented in an efficient way. The use of general government finances must be transparent and efficient. Deadlines set for the departments to meet these tasks differ but a vast majority of them should be finished by late 2010.
The ministries should map and identify assets that are not vital for a proper functioning of the public administration. Superfluous property should be then sold in electronic auctions, suggested the minister. Miklos also elaborated on concrete tasks set for individual ministries. The Transport Ministry is expected to compile an analysis and draft solutions for the situation in loss-making railway companies and a clear concept for the construction of road infrastructure. The Finance Ministry further wants to see an analysis of the functioning of the e-toll system. The Economy Ministry is to draw up a concept for support of renewable energy sources and changes related to the remuneration of managers in state-controlled companies. The system should be just, efficient and motivating, said Miklos.
SITA