Government distributes austerity guidelines for ministries

SANTIAGO.- Finally, after its announcement on Thursday of last week following the cabinet council meeting that was held at the presidential palace, the government has distributed a book of austerity guidelines to be followed by ministries and services as a way to combat the high inflation rate that is currently affecting the nation.

As had been previously indicated, the document highlights adjustments for trips abroad, travel expenses, renovation of the parking lot and savings on energy and electricity consumption.

The text also stresses that “the publication of memos, Christmas greetings and other items must be done through electronic means of communication”.

With regards to the expense line items applied to travel expenses, extra hours and training, the guidelines say that for the rest of 2008, the Ministry of Finance “will abstain from authorizing budget increases for such areas”.

The document also orders each ministerial administration to adjust the trips abroad authorized for their members, “strictly allowing only those that are necessary for the fulfillment of government objectives, being careful to issue prompt and adequate authorization”. 

The text also indicates that representation expenses for officials will be lowered by 25% for the 2009 fiscal year.