19 October 2003 17:39
RUSSIA: DEPUTIES PASS 2004 BUDGET IN ITS SECOND READING...
The State Duma on 15 October approved the draft 2004 state budget in its second reading, Russian media reported. The
vote was 236 in favor, with 157 against and one abstention. Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) leader Vladimir
Zhirinovskii told Ekho Moskvy that he welcomes the increase in military spending envisioned under the current draft.
Deputies on the left of the spectrum were less happy and, according to NTV, spent four hours during the session trying
to get their amendments to the budget approved. State Duma Speaker Gennadii Seleznev, who also heads the Party of
Russian Rebirth, said the budget does not include raises for public-sector workers and, as a result, "the move
toward poverty in Russia" will continue. Legislators also approved in their second reading two bills aimed at
"debureaucratizing" the economy, ITAR-TASS reported. The first bill simplifies the procedure for registering
businesses and creating tax accounts for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs. The second bill provides easier
access to credit for small businesses. JAC Copyright (c) 2003. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free
Europe/Radio Liberty
[AIW [Asia Africa Intelligence Wire]] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
