Mehmedović: The state is clearly invoicing the citizens for the consequences of the pandemic, especially small businesses

(Patria) - It is not a time for populism and politicking, but for concrete measures that experts have already proposed, measures that are implemented in such cases and should be put into practice, but in recent days many are meddling where they don't belong, stated Member of the BiH Parliament Šemsudin Mehmedović.

"Incompetent people have come to the fore. They have the public's attention, while experts and responsible individuals are being pushed aside! At a time when there is a state of natural disaster throughout the country, when the state prohibits some branches of the economy from operating, when banks are ordered to grant moratoriums on loans, which endangers their business and the salaries of their employees, the state itself does not give up its claims against citizens. The Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH, after a few days of delay in VAT payment by entrepreneurs, sends an order for forced collection increased by 5% of the principal debt as a late collection fee. And precisely to those entrepreneurs who cannot even enter their businesses due to state measures!? Where is the logic in that?", Mehmedović asks.

The system itself offers no relief to the economy, which is on its knees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but insists on taxes and penalties.

"So, who is the state for? For the Bosnian people or for itself? The state is clearly invoicing all the consequences of the pandemic to the citizens, and especially to small businesses, and in such difficult times, it refuses to give up even a part of its privileges, privileges that citizens and small businesses, who are on their knees, pay for through taxes.

By the way, small businesses are the most affected by this situation," Mehmedović notes.

He adds that entrepreneurs who have been paying VAT regularly every month for over ten years are contacting him, and today they are being sent an order for forced collection after a few days of delay, increased by 5%, and no one is asking whether these entities can even approach their company to pay that VAT due to the bans.

"It is incomprehensible that there was no warning or call to pay, but rather immediate forced collection, which shows extreme arrogance and the extent of the state's insensitivity to the problems of both citizens and the economy.

The case with the Tax Administration of the FBiH, when attempts are made to show understanding towards such cases by inspectors and those who work on tax collection, all possibilities are in vain due to the arbitrariness of HDZ officials, precisely the HDZ that wants all citizens of the Federation of BiH to repay cantonal debts. Well, that won't happen!", stated Mehmedović.