Draft Budget of BiH for 2020 Adopted Without Votes from RS

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Council of Ministers of BiH today adopted the Draft Law on the Budget of BiH Institutions and BiH's International Obligations for 2020. Officials from RS, namely Chairman Zoran Tegeltija, and ministers Staša Košarac and Vojin Mitrović, voted against this decision. A decision on temporary financing for the period April-June 2020 was also adopted. The three of them also voted against the decision on temporary financing.

Tegeltija told a press conference that they voted against the draft budget because the situation due to the coronavirus pandemic has significantly changed.

"Entities are extensively discussing the preparation of a budget rebalance, its different structuring, and redistribution, as entity budgets will certainly be most affected. Unfortunately, our budget looks different. The BiH budget foresees a salary increase of 30 million KM. Procurement of cars, buildings, and furniture is planned. In times of crisis, priorities should be arranged differently," said Tegeltija.

He points out that he proposed that the Minister of Finance and Treasury of BiH withdraw the draft budget and that "after the fight for the lives and health of citizens, we sit down again and discuss it.".

The Council of Ministers today adopted the Decision on the temporary suspension of visa issuance at BiH's diplomatic-consular missions. A Decision on the temporary closure of international border crossings for air traffic for passenger transport was also adopted.