Following a grueling 12-hour marathon cabinet session, the government’s ministers yesterday approved the finance ministry’s 2003 state budget by a count of 14-12. The Likud, National Religious Party (NRP), Center Party, and Yisrael Ba’aliya ministers backed the proposal, while Shas and Labor Party representatives voted against the plan. The budget calls for major spending cuts in the areas of defense, education, and in several other sectors.
Histadrut labor union leader Amir Peretz censured the government for approving the budget. He said that that proposal does not serve the interests of the people. Peretz also called on the Shas and Labor parties to resign from the government and work towards new national elections. Opposition and Meretz Party leader Yossi Sarid, called the passage of the budget “shameful.” The plan will next be presented before the Knesset plenum for approval.
Histadrut labor union leader Amir Peretz censured the government for approving the budget. He said that that proposal does not serve the interests of the people. Peretz also called on the Shas and Labor parties to resign from the government and work towards new national elections. Opposition and Meretz Party leader Yossi Sarid, called the passage of the budget “shameful.” The plan will next be presented before the Knesset plenum for approval.