Budget coffers opened for social spending

A meeting of the country's 'economic' ministers has approved the release of 6.5 billion crowns from this year's budget, largely to cover unforeseen social benefits costs, after unexpectedly high budget income and low expenditures in the first half of 2001. The government is still committed to its deficit target of 3.9% of GDP for this year, added Deputy PM Ivan Mikloš.