Don’t we all love election promises? And another round of elections is just around the corner so brace yourselves
Promises, schmomises…At least that’s how most of us feel before, during and after the elections no matter which side comes out as the winner. Just remember the pompous Plan 21 which was so eloquently presented by the ruling party, that soon turned into nothing more than a Catch 22 both for them and for us.
So, should we really be surprised by the fact that Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitarović failed to keep one of her most repeated promises during the election campaign – cuts and rationalisation of the Presidential office? Of course not!
According to official data sent by Pantovčak to Jutarnji list, office of former President Josipović employed 142 people, and on September 18th, current President employed 140. So, actually, she did cut down on staff, by two! The number of advisors are down, but she has increased the number of administrative workers.
No other rationalisation actions have been implemented thus far given that the annual budget of the Office remained 41,1 million kuna, even after recent budget amendment. In all fairness, we have to wait and see if the budget will be lower next year once officials from the former Presidential office are no longer on the payroll since 14 officials and the former President Josipović all activated their very attractive 6+6 severance package meaning that they get 6 full pays and 6 half pays after they leave their post.
