Kadima party buries 2006 State Budget

Sharon, fellow party members decide not to submit 2006 State Budget proposal for a Knesset vote, as it has no chance of passing; as a result, interim government expected to operate in accordance with last year’s budget. Sharon asks Kadima ministers to be on the alert for possible Likud-Labor attempt to topple prime minister, bring elections forward

Reuters | Published: 12.12.05, 14:35

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Kadima party ministers decided Monday not to submit the 2006 State Budget proposal for a Knesset vote, citing that it would have no chance of passing.

The interim government is expected to operate in accordance with last year’s budget.

The Sharon government seems to be in a jam, as it cannot realize changes in its priorities within the budget’s framework.

According to Sharon’s social-economic plan, NIS 7.5 billion (about USD 1.6 billion) would be allocated in the next five years for the fight against poverty.

Kadima wishes to implement the budgetary changes ahead of the upcoming March elections to reflect an image of Kadima as a party with a clear social agenda.

During Monday’s Kadima party meeting, which was also attended by new Kadima recruit Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, Sharon asked his ministers to be attentive to any attempt by Likud and Labor to join forces and form a coalition to topple the prime minister and bring the elections forward.

Kadima members fear Likud leadership candidate Benjamin Netanyahu and Labor Chairman Amir Peretz may attempt to forge a coalition of 63 Knesset members that would dethrone the prime minister ahead of the upcoming elections, scheduled for March 28.