Lijanović in the Fund for Flood Victims: Will the Package of Three Laws Fall Because of Him?

I expect the FBiH Parliament to support three laws for the assistance of flood-affected areas, which were sent by the FBiH Government under an urgent procedure, stated Ismet Osmanović, a representative from SDA in the House of Representatives, for the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

These are legal solutions that unblock reserves of money in the budgets of all levels of government, introduce self-contributions from employees, and establish a fund that will collect and implement aid for those affected. The House of Peoples of the FBiH will consider the package of three laws on Monday, and the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament on Wednesday next week.

- I think this package will get support, because it is necessary for aid to reach those for whom it is intended as soon as possible. Anything we have to say can be resolved through amendments – says Osmanović.

Commenting on the fact that the Minister of Agriculture, currently held by Jerko Ivanković Lijanović, will be a member of the Foundation's Management Board by virtue of his office, Osmanović says that they have previously stated that this body must be conceived differently.

- The Management Board of this foundation will have significant powers, and it is a mistake for Lijanović to be on it. However, this fund will last for a longer period. This government is in office until October and a few weeks longer, so there will be changes. The Minister of Agriculture must be included by virtue of his office due to his responsibilities, but this serves as a lesson for us to be careful who we give functions to in the future – he points out.

Osmanović emphasizes that the introduction of self-contributions from employees, in the amount of one daily wage for those working in state institutions, companies, and agencies, and up to 1 percent of personal income for other employees, is an unpopular measure.

- I am convinced that a thorough analysis of public funds must be done before this, and that salary deductions should be the last resort. If there is any other option, the FBiH Government should not have proposed this – Osmanović told NAP.