Initiator of the amendments deputy Alexei Mitrofanov of the LDPR faction explained to the State Duma that the annual expenses on the compensation of services and security to cabinet members and their family members may add up to 95-110 million rubles annually (1 dollar equals 28.00 rubles).
"We have to adopt the law on consideration of political correctness. Ministers assure the population of the usefulness of the benefits monetization reform. So let's also cancel their own benefits", he said.
Duma deputy chairman for constitutional legislation Alexander Moskalets stressed that privileges for cabinet members are paid from the federal budget.
"This bill intends that monetary compensations will be paid them on fact of consumption. A change in form of payment will require expenses on the calculation and payment of corresponding sums. Thus, this bill actually intends an increase in federal expenses on these ends", the deputy said.
The cabinet too thinks negatively of Mr. Mitrofanov's legislative initiative. The cabinet's conclusion undersigned by Vice-Premier Alexander Zhukov says that the concept of the law on monetary compensation consists in putting the system of social security for citizens in correspondence with the principle of delimitation of powers between federal and regional organs of power.
"Expenses on social security for cabinet members come strictly from the federal budget", Mr.Zhukov noted.
