The initial proposal of 12,000 jobs – to make good on the president’s plan to create 810,000 surplus quality jobs over the next five years – led to a six-week deadlock in the legislature.
That number was eventually cut to 2,575 and approved by a parliamentary budget committee. The LKP wanted it to be lowered to just 1,000, according to the agency.
Additional funds will also be used for disability benefits, assistance to drought-hit regions and the shipbuilding industry, as well as preparations for the next year’s Winter Olympic Games.
The outlet said fears were that extra spending could stretch the state budget. The main argument was that under the country's finance laws a reserve budget can only be used for disaster relief and during economic recession.