ADMINISTRATIVE BLOAT: Premier, Ministers, Municipal Heads and Mayor of Sarajevo to Be Allowed to Hire Two Advisors Each

(Patria) - The Sarajevo Canton Assembly is expected to consider on December 11 the Proposal for the Law on Amendments to the Law on Civil Service in Sarajevo Canton and the Proposal for the Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries and Allowances in the Bodies of Authority of Sarajevo Canton.

Regarding the amendments to the Law on Civil Service in Sarajevo Canton, the position of advisor is being reinstated, although it was abolished in 2017. At that time, the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton was Elmedin Konaković (SDA). His current party, NIP, is part of the Cantonal Government, and with the help of Naša stranka and the SDP, they are reinstating the abolished positions. The explanation states that the amendments are being made to harmonize the law with federal regulations and other cantons regarding appointed persons - advisors.

Members of the Cantonal Government, municipal mayors, and the mayor can have advisors, a maximum of two each.

In addition to advisors, new positions are being added to the job classifications: "chief internal auditor" and "internal auditor."

Regarding the term of advisors, it is tied to the mandate of the official who appointed them, and they can be dismissed at any time.

Incidentally, according to the register of service contracts of the Office for the Fight against Corruption of Sarajevo Canton, it is evident that certain individuals are engaged under service contracts for extended periods. The adoption of this law will enable them to take on the position of advisor with a higher salary than they receive under a service contract. This will further burden the budget of Sarajevo Canton, which is already reduced by about 50 million KM compared to last year. It is difficult to expect that the Prime Minister, ministers, municipal mayors, and the mayor will forgo the opportunity to bring advisors into their cabinets.

Also, before the deputies is the Proposal for the Law on Amendments to the Law on Salaries and Allowances in the Bodies of Authority of Sarajevo Canton, which adds the advisor to the official and prescribes a coefficient of 6.40.