The cabinet approved additional Sk11 million (€261,278) to cover the papal visit planned for September. Two weeks ago ministers agreed to allocate Sk68 million from the state purse to meet at least part of lavish demands of the church and municipalities, which had come up with a sum at Sk280 million (€6.6million) for their requirements.
Foreign Ministry state secretary József Berényi assumes that the slight increase of funds will not satisfy the financial demands linked to the visit of John Paul II to Slovakia.
"They have not increased our budget. On the contrary, they even have cut funds that were already approved," Jozef Hrtúš of the Banska Bystrica's bishop's office said.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
