MP J.Enkhbayar spoke our journalist and claimed that only a few authorities and the rich would benefit from the draft budget. Q-The draft budget is being discussed; what do you think of it?
A-I believe the draft budget, as a whole, is a failure. It has lost its achievements and violates the full power of parliament. I was surprised and regretful when the Prime Minister offered a plan where there is uncertainty regarding where to invest the 80 billion MNT. This is unacceptable.
An important role for parliament is to detail every aspect of the budget to the public when it passes so, I say, this draft budget is a failure. There is no improvement and the State budget is not an issue to be reformed at one time, it should be a constant activity.
Q-Do you mean the 20 billion to develop Soums and 50 billion for reforms and the President`s package in the draft budget is uncertain? Do you criticize it because you suspect there is something wrong behind it?
A-Only the Prime Minister`s package in the draft budget makes discussion impossible. It violates many laws. For instance, it seriously violates laws about construction and budget law. It is supposed to be that only after blueprints for construction are approved by experts can a budget be passed. However, they just submit a draft with no blueprint and no plan. It is ridiculous. Therefore, we will insist to review the draft budget and clarify the uncertain items in it.
Q-Welfare expenditure is cut from draft budget. Political parties and coalitions agree on passing a law that is against free allowances to people. How is it adequate in such social conditions?
A-welfare system that can be successful was just founded. It was not only the interest of a party; it was inspired by life needs. Legal circumstances were being developed but all those things were destroyed under the name of reform. This is such a selfish and regretful thing. It was a part of State Policy to support the weakest groups of our society; the elderly, handicapped, and poor. Because of this, we oppose the draft budget. Why don’t we impose tax to luxury goods, real state, and bank deposit income?
I think the policy put forth by the DP majority in parliament has a western trend. Also, such policy is beneficial to the rich and billionaires. We Mongolians should support the weak groups in our society and we should not let the poor die.
