Novalić: Subsidies for contributions for everyone in the Federation!

(Patria) - Fadil Novalić, Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, said that just before his regular address to the public, a law was passed to mitigate the consequences of the coronavirus on the economy. 

He said that a business entity must be separated from its owner. He said that the law will be sent into procedure tonight, but it cannot be considered without a budget rebalance, which will be done tomorrow. Since it is technically impossible to make payments for March obligations, the law will be valid for one month after the return to normal conditions.

"If a business entity has not paid its obligations by February 29, it is not entitled to subsidies," Novalić said.

He emphasized that if this law passes quickly through the FBiH Parliament, employers will have no reason for layoffs.

"If necessary, the FBiH Government will subsidize the Employment Bureaus for benefit payments from the Stabilization Fund," Novalić said.

The FBiH Government provides the minimum amount of obligations, and this applies equally to everyone in the FBiH. 

He explained that they will equally pay obligations on the minimum wage, from craftsmen to employees.

"We are monitoring measures in the region and Europe. But we have no need to copy them, because they are behind us. We plan to adopt the law by the end of the week," Novalić said.

He noted that the pandemic can only be stopped together.

"I would express my condolences to the families of the deceased, and wish a speedy recovery to all citizens suffering from coronavirus. I would especially commend citizens who literally follow all instructions, this also applies to pensioners who today withdrew their pensions and went shopping," Novalić said.

"Only together can we stop the spread of the coronavirus. I must say that, if the situation worsens, we will ensure pension payments are delivered to pensioners' home addresses," Novalić added.

He informed the public that today, as promised, 150,000 tests were delivered, and with the previously procured 20,000, we can start wider testing.

"According to information from the health sector, new procurement for the fight against corona continues – protective suits and respirators. We will continue to support citizens and the health system," Novalić added.