Budget debate always rich and controversial says Deputy Economy Minister

The budget debate is "exceptional and political" and always raises eyebrows. The government and the opposition have different priorities" said Deputy Finance Minister Halina Trenkner, on evaluating discussions on the next years budget. The budget draft is much more different than previous ones. It's the first time that the budget envisages greater independence for local governments which will no longer receive additional subsidies from the budget, but they will be able to generate subsidies themselves. Adding that it is the first time the budget takes Poland's first contribution to the European Union into consideration. "In 2004, EU subsidies will amount to zł. 2.5 billion however, Poland will have to pay zł. 6 billion towards the EU contribution" said Trenkner. (www.onet.pl) A.Z.