Police officers to be stripped of rent allowances

Police officers will not be entitled anymore to rent allowances after Parliament on Thursday approved a legislative proposal to this effect, Info-Prim Neo reports. The proposal sparked negative reactions from the opposition lawmakers who argued that the measure would demotivate the police officers, which would consequently lead to higher crime rates. Also the Communist lawmakers said the proposal was non-constitutional because it deprived the police officers of a legal entitlement. Justice Deputy Minister Oleg Efrim, who presented the proposal, said the provision was purely technical and would not have serious effects on the police officers. The proposal, which was approved in first reading, is necessary in the Government's opinion in line with the state's endeavor to provide equal treatment to employees and create a social balance. The Ministry of the Interior didn't endorse the proposal.