A full session of the Algerian Parliament will vote finally Tuesday November 9 on the budget law of 2005 after a series of stormy sessions. A series of last minute amendments were rejected last Saturday by the President of the Finance Select Committee, to the annoyance of special interest delegates.
The main debate was over changes in taxation, particularly raising gas bills by 5 dinars, which will make public transport more expensive. The finance minister and minister of energy and mines, Chakib Khelil, tried to convince deputies that this will lead to positive changes in carbon emissions in Algeria, particularly encouraged deleaded fuels.
There was also a big commotion on mineral water. Abdelmalek Sellal, minister for water proposed a 5 dinar tax in order to help develop water resources. There are also proposed increases in taxes on medicines. (menareport.com)
