Livni blasts PM on Trajtenberg, demands new budget

Following Netanyahu's failure to pass report recommendations, Livni says he must replace "failed" policies in budget reflecting new priorities.

By NIV ELIS
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni 311 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni 311
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni blasted Prime Minister Netanyahu Tuesday for failing to set a new agenda, saying his "failed" policies have led to a "farce" in the government.
"We cannot end the issues with minor changes and moving money from sector to sector in the [Knesset] Finance Committee and relying on the Trajtenberg committee speech," Livni said.
RELATED:Trajtenberg to Knesset c'tee: Monopolies plaguing economyThe Trajtenberg Report’s gaping lacuna: Public-sector union [Premium]"Netanyahu's failed attempts to buy votes in the government instead of accepting the decisions I laid out led to the farce that occurred yesterday in the government." Netanyahu postponed a cabinet vote on the Trajtenberg Committee for Socioeconomic Change's findings Monday after failing to gain backing from a majority of ministers.
The report, which recommended expanding early childhood education, raising employers’ share in national insurance payments and temporarily eliminating import taxes, received praise from Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer.  However, the Histadrut labor federation and the Manufacturers’ Association criticized the recommendations, while the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce offered mixed reviews.
Netanyahu's inability to gather support for the controversial report may provide a political opportunity for Livni, who hopes for further divisions among the heretofore stable ruling coalition.
Mirroring a statement by protest leaders, Livni demanded that Netanyahu submit a new budget for 2012 increasing the age for free compulsory education, subsidizing day care and funding affordable housing projects.
"The fact we previously refused to pay sectors and parties just to sit on their work chairs, and the fact that we present a real alternative, will lead to change," Livni said.