As a result, the Prime Minister received many suggestions and additions to the Cabinet's budget proposal and agreed with many of them. However, during an evening plenary parliament session, it was decided to postpone the discussion of the budget for two weeks. Five out of eleven majority factions want to conduct one more first reading of the project, and it was resolved that more time is needed before a final decision on the budget can be made. President Kuchma agreed with the parliamentary decision, telling journalists that he does not have any remarks at this time, only that he would like further reflections on the budget. The intrigue which was expected by many, and which normally ensues when the national parliament begins its annual discussion of the new budget, has not, as yet, occurred.
Deputies have several options regarding their decision on the adoption of the budget.
However, deputies are bound to the outcome of a national referendum held last spring. According to the referendum, the President can dismiss parliament if deputies are unable to adopt the state budget in time. Left Centre member Ivan Bokyy prompted the walkout when he appealed to all deputies to leave the session hall for at least five minutes to demonstrate their loyalty to democracy, the Constitution and the nation, and to express their protest against persecution of journalists. Silski Visti has periodically faced problems since the last presidential elections because of the newspaper's perceived bias towards leftist political nominees. Currently, Silski Visti is temporarily closed down because of tax police sanctions against it.