Novalić wishes for a swift investigation, economy is reawakening in FBiH

SARAJevo, (Patria) - Fadil Novalić, Prime Minister of FBiH, stated tonight on FTV's Dnevnik that he has not yet given any statement to the investigative bodies, whom he urged to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.

"I support the investigation, an investigation is a legal matter, and we all want the investigation to be concluded as soon as possible. The moment the investigation is concluded, it will be known who acted outside the law, if anyone did," said Novalić.

When asked if the FBiH Government was aware of the purchase of ventilators, Novalić said that the Government tasked the Federal Public Health Institute and the Federal Civil Protection Administration with procuring not only ventilators but also all other medical, hygienic, and protective equipment, and that millions of funds were transferred for these purposes.

"In that time of panic, all countries were trying to procure ventilators. Numerous offers passed through my office, we sent those offers to the Public Health Institute and the FUCZ. And that controversial offer passed through our office, it passed at 8:05 AM and was forwarded at 8:19 AM to the Public Health Institute," said the Prime Minister.

When asked what the funds transferred to the Federal Civil Protection Administration were for, Novalić said that the funds were transferred based on the Government's decision for medical supplies.

He stated that he learned from the media that the supplier was Srebrena malina and that the offer he saw included a picture of a dual ventilator, which is why he spoke at the airport about "top-notch ventilators".

"I urge the investigative bodies to do their job as soon as possible. Relieve us of this agony so that it can be seen what really happened, who did it, and what consequences they will face. The truth needs to be established here, truth is the cure for everything," he added.

He stated that ventilators can be used in primary and secondary healthcare, but that the Public Health Institute should have defined that.

When asked what happened to the remaining 20 ventilators, Novalić said that this is a question for the supplier, Srebrena malina. He does not know why the remaining ventilators were not delivered and why Fly Bosnia is demanding 300,000 KM for costs.

He added that the Federation responded well to the pandemic, first with early measures, and then the healthcare system that effectively did its job, and also due to the great discipline of the citizens.

Novalić stated that the pension fund will remain stable.

"We have literally burned the economy, many were banned from working, and now the economy is reawakening," said Novalić.

When asked by the host how the blocking of funds from the IMF complicates the situation, Novalić said that the Federation is stable.

"The Federation is still very liquid. It has removed items that it transferred to the stabilization fund, and we can bridge another three or four months without problems and without the IMF, and pensions will be paid on time, as well as veteran and social benefits," said the Prime Minister.