Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection estimates that yesterday's statement of the Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Kori Udovicki, regarding the Initiative of independent control bodies to return the Law on the Manner of Determining of the Maximum Number of Employees in the Public Sector to the Serbian National Assembly so that it may be assessed and passed once again, objectively, constitutes an attempt to improperly present to the public attitudes of independent control bodies on rational employment and responsible attitude towards budgetary funds.

In this regard, the Commissioner has also stated the following:

"The Minister herself notes in her statement that: "Independence is best protected by responsible behavior which these institutions have exhibited so far with respect to employment." It is logical that she should state this; it cannot be disregarded, because it is an obvious truth. It is precisely why the Minister has yet to explain to the public the reason for these institutions, unlike some others, to be kept under control.

The phrase, "we all share the fate of this nation", is incorrect and sounds almost cynical, as it is obvious from the text of the Law that some organs are exempt from the "common destiny". It would be okay for the Minister to explain to the public what criteria the selectivity or these exceptions are based on.

And the Minister's words that: ''Independence of institutions is extremely important and necessary but it is extremely important to recognize that it does not mean a total autonomy in which some institutions are unaccountable" sound particularly cynical. Insinuating that independent control bodies desire to be accountable to no one is irresponsible, especially in the light of the fact that all these bodies, in all previous years and this year as well, submitted to the National Assembly reports which among other things include precise data on employment and available budget funds and confirm their rational and responsible attitude. However, neither has the Minister nor other officials expressed interest in this "accountability" and although they were submitted back in March, these reports have yet to be considered.

Ms. Udovicki said yesterday: "Achieved degree of independence and power of some of these institutions is something that Serbia can and should be proud of," adding, "and I would never do anything which would reduce their independence." With respect to the first statement - I do not know how sincere she was, but with respect to the other one - I think it has already been confuted by her."