BRATISLAVA, August 13, (WEBNOVINY)- Prime Minister Iveta Radicova said after the Cabinet’s session on Friday that administrators of individual budgetary chapters can fulfill the commitment to save 10 percent of funds destined for wages in state administration according to their own consideration. They are free to introduce wage cuts, reduce the number of employees or curb bonuses. The intention is to save 10 percent of wage expenditures, she specified. However, it will be not be set as a single limit in some spheres. „We have clearly declared that we speak of the state administration, so considerations and stories about teachers were not justified,” she said.
Education Minister Eugen Jurzyca gave assurances that the planned wage cuts will definitively not apply to teachers. He said that the ruling coalition stroke an accord in this, as the government considers education a priority. So the message is clear: teachers’ salaries will not be cut,” he said. The Education Ministry plans both layoffs and wage cuts to fulfill the 10-percent target.
Interior Minister Daniel Lipsic thinks that constitutional officials should save a portion equaling the average saving level. “It should be just for everyone,” he said. However he does not think it would be correct to reduce the number of policemen and firemen and it would not incorrect either to reduce their salaries. After the approval of the state budget, they will carry out an audit at the ministry and will make all efforts to slim down the state administration.
Transportation Minister Jan Figel sees space for saving in connection with the prepared reorganization and merging with several parts of other ministries. The minister did not specify the number of people to be laid off but he underscored they will fulfill the target and saving plans as well.
SITA