Gaspari: Stemming the Appetite for Wage Growth

Ljubljana, 15 February - FINANCE/GASPARI
The macro-economic position of Slovenia improved in 1999 from a fiscal viewpoint. The budget deficit amounted to 0.64 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and was thus lower than expected as well as being lower to the year before, said Finance Minister Mitja Gaspari at Tuesday's press conference. This year's budget deficit is forecast at about one percent of GDP, however, to achieve this adaptation will be necessary through the course of the year. Gaspari warned of an extensive appetite for the growth of wages in the public sector, which will cause a re-balance of the budget if the government complies with demands.