Social package will delay balanced budget

The state budget will be the victim of the Smer party’s efforts to regain popularity after the recent resignation of its leader, Robert Fico, as PM. The government will soon present its package of social measures totaling €500-600m. Its financing will require a delay in balancing the budget from 2019 to 2020. Pensioners will get an increased 13th pension of €220, up from €87-100 last year. They will not pay co-payments for drugs and will get free buses and spas. Most-Híd is pushing for an increased standard tax deduction, and SNS for a 15% personal income tax. The measures might also include zero VAT on diapers and other children’s products, as well as debt amnesty, the conditions of which are yet to be worked out. Parliament has recently approved higher pay for weekend, holiday, and night work.

(Pravda/1)