Discussion of possible cuts in defense, law enforcement spending premature - Kremlin aide
MOSCOW. May 25 (Interfax) - Russian presidential aide Arkady Dvorkovich has said that the decision to reduce budget spending on law enforcement and defense is the sole prerogative of the head of state.
"Any proposals related to streamlining budget spending can be discussed and should be thoroughly considered, but decisions on them will be made solely by the president," he said to Interfax on Wednesday.
"Presently, it is premature to discuss the possibility of such cuts," Dvorkovich said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kommersant daily reported that the Finance Ministry had drafted unconventional proposals on the reduction of potential budget expenses. The newspaper said that it had been suggested to cut the spending of the Defense Ministry and law enforcement bodies on HR and on the state defense contract and also to slash government investment.