Nikšić: There are pressures from certain circles, but there will be no privatization of telecoms and power utilities, they are national treasures

(Patria) - Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nermin Nikšić attended the opening of the III International Public Sector Congress titled "It's Time..." in Neum today.

Among the speakers at the opening address were Prime Minister Nikšić, Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister of Finance Toni Kraljević, as well as Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Vedran Lakić.

Prime Minister Nikšić said that many things can and should be improved in the public sector, but that the Government of the Federation of BiH is persistently working on it. He added that they are trying to do it as transparently as possible, so that it is visible to citizens.

"You know what the situation was when it comes to the energy sector, when it comes to power utilities. We are all aware of everything that is happening when it comes to telecoms. We are also aware of the interest that exists from pressures, from certain circles and lobbies from international financial institutions that insist on the privatization of these companies. We are not even thinking about that, it is a national treasure that we will fight for to remain as it is, but we will improve it as much as possible," said Prime Minister Nikšić.

He added that, in line with this year's congress slogan, it is high time to do everything to realize our programs because they will certainly contribute to improving the status of all citizens in the Federation of BiH. He also emphasized that it is time for all those who have misused public funds to be held accountable before the law.

This congress brought together experts from public companies, institutions, municipalities, and cities. At the congress, which will last until Friday, September 13, participants will discuss key topics in public sector management, including financing, reporting, auditing, and municipal development planning.