Nikšić: We are not prepared to diminish workers' rights to satisfy the IMF

After Željka Cvijanović stated that the Draft Letter of Intent regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina's arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is unacceptable for Republika Srpska (RS), Nermin Nikšić, Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, told the BiH news agency Patria that the situation regarding the definition of the content of the new Letter of Intent has entered a rather uncertain phase.

- Unfortunately, IMF representatives insist on some things that I personally, nor the FBiH Government, can agree with when it comes to the labor law, and colleagues from the RS Government have a similar stance. We understand the need to improve labor legislation, but it must be the result of joint work of all economic and social partners, and primarily trade unions and employers – Nikšić said.

He further stated for NAP that they are not prepared to diminish workers' rights to satisfy the IMF and there is no dictate under which they will agree to it.

- Unfortunately, we also have a problem with the inability of the House of Peoples of the BiH Parliament to function, and therefore we consider it ill-intentioned and unacceptable to impose obligations that, due to this fact, cannot be fulfilled in a short period – Nikšić added.

The Federation Government will strive to fulfill its other obligations as soon as possible, Nikšić noted, adding that he also thinks that representatives of the RS Government should show a little more flexibility when it comes to demands related to cooperation and data exchange between the entity tax administrations.

- The arrangement with the IMF ensures the financial stability of BiH and the consequences of its termination can be extremely severe, therefore all of us involved in these discussions must show wisdom and leadership, whereby I want to emphasize once again that, as far as I am concerned, no blackmail is an option – Nikšić added.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister of the FBiH notes that he hopes and believes that an agreement can still be reached, which is why they are prepared to continue discussions next week.

- I expect such an attitude from the IMF as well, because the authorities in BiH have so far shown a responsible attitude towards fulfilling their commitments – Nikšić emphasized.