Burilović: We don't have to choose between health and economy, we can have both

(Patria) - Today in Croatia, we have the lowest number of new coronavirus infections since March 14 - only seven. The good news is that another 52 people have recovered. And along with the good news about the coronavirus easing, strict measures will also be eased starting Monday.

The gradual opening of the economy is beginning, and the consequences of the lockdown are already being felt. Since the beginning of the crisis, 20,000 workers have lost their jobs, and many estimate it will be worse than the one in 2008. Luka Burilović, President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, spoke on HRT about whether the coronavirus will change the Croatian economy and in which direction.

The economy has started to open up, and the Chamber had its proposals, including extending shop opening hours, which has been announced; all measures will be implemented with strict epidemiological measures.

When asked what he expects from the "new" normal, Burilović said that we can be very satisfied with everything done so far.

"Now we don't have to choose between health and the economy, we can have both," said Burilović.

He emphasized that a large package of measures has been agreed upon with the Government.

"The Government has made an excellent move, and we have injected a large amount of money into the economy, which will also be reflected in the state budget," he said.

The Government has provided 4,000 kuna for workers in the real sector, and has postponed payments of loans and other burdens that have burdened entrepreneurs all this time, said Burilović, adding that he is optimistic about this crisis and hopes it will be overcome faster than the 2008 crisis.

"Given that there is a lot of cheap money and capital in the capital market, I think that with the help of the Government, we will return to the track we had before," he said.