By: Peter Jančič (Spletni časopis)
Last week, the ruling government cheated like never before since independence, introducing a new tax that will cost an average family one thousand euros annually, and around a hundred euros for each average pensioner. They want this money so that Minister for Solidarity Future, Simon Maljevac (from the Levica party), can prove how successful he is. Employees and retirees will no longer pay into the state budget for Maljevac. The state budget is facing difficulties as there are limitations and many users. The additional money for Maljevac would be at risk there. More money is demanded by judges and educators, as well as for roads and the military, and for various other purposes. We will pay this extra money to the health insurance company, even though the money will not be used for healthcare. The health insurance company will not decide on or control its expenditure. The Health Insurance Institute is just a bypass, a sort of tax haven for the ruling Maljevacs to avoid the restrictions that apply to the state budget, so they can spend more than they are allowed according to the state budget plan. They are cheating themselves, but we, the people, will pay the price.
To cover up their controversial actions, they hastily enacted a new tax that will not go into the state budget, violating the rules that the state has in place to prevent such irresponsible behaviour by the authorities. Deliberation and expert discussions were prevented by passing the new tax through an emergency procedure, as if we were in a war or facing extraordinary circumstances. This was done during hastily convened sessions of the National Assembly, even during the summer vacation period. Taxes and contributions should absolutely not be enacted in this manner. There was no valid reason for doing so. There was no urgency or emergency situation. We will start paying this new “contribution” only in two years, as the government is currently not even capable of spending this money for the elderly. It is not a simple matter, and it requires extensive planning to ensure that the money does not end up in the wrong hands, such as the right-wing, or private individuals, or those associated with improper “non-governmental” organisations.
The possibility of serious expert public discussions was already hindered by the government when they approved the new tax for the health insurance company through written procedure, which will not even benefit the health insurance. They violated the rules of social dialogue by not coordinating with employers and employees who are directly affected by these changes. They will hit us in the wallet. Parliamentary lawyers have also warned that the poorly prepared law constitutes a violation of the constitutional order, as an ordinary person cannot even understand it. Yet, they will have to pay based on these ambiguities, while the law is supposed to guarantee their rights.
Unclear
The reason for violating the rules was simple: they tried to hide their deceit as much as possible, to avoid too much attention. Because unprofessional conduct is not popular. People eventually realise that hair salons, to which the government directs them, are not the most professional solution when they have a toothache. Even if the government and the major media, controlled by the ruling party, highly recommend hair salons in case of toothache, because they have depoliticised and uncensored them.
It will hit our pockets
But the ruling party was not able to completely prevent public and expert discussions. The Fiscal Council spoke up, despite the lack of time for serious analyses, and warned about the negative consequences of the government’s additional contributions for the sustainability of public finances. The National Council voted for a veto, business representatives withdrew from the Economic and Social Council, and there was a revolt among retirees because of the one-percent reduction of pensions. However, these issues, according to political calculations, will be quickly forgotten, and the new contribution will hit people, businesses, and farmers in two years’ time. Just before the elections when they will have already depoliticised all media outlets and silenced critics who disturb the public. The Council for Limiting Media Freedom, led by Nika Kovač, who also heads the private institute March 8th, founded by Simon Maljevac, will take care of silencing critics of the government. Just before the elections, the government will also have an extra billion to spend, and those who receive state contracts will be delighted. They will also allocate some euros to “our media” and others who have an influence on public opinion. This could bring additional votes in the elections, but the bill will come after the elections.
None of this is surprising. Prime Minister Robert Golob, after the elections, established five new ministries, making it one of the most abundant governments in Europe. It was clear when they were establishing a multitude of new ministries that it would not be cheap, and that the government does not care about public money. State secretaries, directors of directorates, PR officers, accountants, and all the other necessary positions for each new ministry cost money. However, this is just a minor issue compared to the more long-term consequences of an abundant government that will affect public finances and consequently citizens. Ambitious new ministers demand money for their policies. A lot of money.
If you have money, you are a successful minister. And people will vote for you. This week, Minister for Solidarity Future Simon Maljevac secured nearly a billion euros annually. And he got the money in a way that all ministers dream of: a special euro outside the limits of the state budget. In fact, when we add up other sources, it amounts to 500 euros from each citizen annually. Like a dream.
But it also means that everyone, including the elderly who will have to pay the money, will become poorer over time, and there will be even greater needs for state assistance. We will need more Simon Maljevacs. Many people will no longer be able to take care of themselves or their parents because the government will simply take away their money. And this will be done through the health insurance company to make it less obvious who wants more money because they have become fatter and continue to do so.
The government, namely.
