Croatian Parl. Speaker Apologises to Reporters

Although the salaries of MPs are now as low as had been published, they are no less paid than their European colleagues, the speaker said.

ZAGREB, CROATIA – Croatian Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic on Monday extended his apologies to reporters after false data about the privileges of members of parliament in relation to the region had been presented at a round-table conference last Monday. The lowest salary presented was almost 5,000 kuna less than it really is. 

- The data was imprecise, but that is not the point. I apologise to reporters, but I stress that this

makes no change to the conclusion that the salaries of Croatian MPs are in accordance with Europe’s. It is not of essence to speak about numbers, but rather to point to relations – Luka Bebic said.

Asked by a reporter whether there will be an investigation into whoever issued the false reports, Bebic said there will be. Last week, deputy speaker Vladimir Seks also announced an investigation and asked of the parliament’s secretary to initiate disciplinary proceedings against persons in parliament services who falsified the data.

Luka Bebic announced that a new parliamentary session that will last for four weeks will begin next week, adding that amendments to the budget will soon be discussed.

- I believe that draft amendments to the budget are possible to be made very quickly and the rule-book says that there is a possibility of various proposals be forwarded into parliament. I would like the draft amendments to be put forward only by the government, but by all those with the right to propose amendments – Bebic said.