New Year's Wishes and Promises from Officials

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - On the occasion of the New Year, numerous congratulations have arrived from officials at all levels of government. 

Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, Fadil Novalić, on behalf of the FBiH Government and personally, extended New Year's wishes to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating:

“To all our citizens, I wish all the best in the New Year 2021, and above all, good health, more joy, and progress. I hope that the efforts we are making to stop the pandemic will yield good results, primarily to preserve what is most important, which is people's health. I believe that the measures taken by the Government of the Federation of BiH aimed at helping the economy have succeeded in preserving thousands of jobs, and that reform processes have maintained budget stability because we have regularly met our obligations to all budget beneficiaries and citizens. This is confirmed by the continuity of pension payments, benefits for the veteran population, and civilian disability benefits. In the coming year, we will continue with further reforms that will enable us to overcome economic and social difficulties, but also create economic growth, thereby ensuring social security and a better life for every person.

The year we are leaving behind has been difficult, unpredictable, and full of challenges, so I wish that we enter the New Year with the hope that the future will bring more and more reasons for satisfaction. With the conviction that the upcoming year will be marked by health, better results, and progress, I wish you to spend this holiday in good spirits with family members, friends, and neighbors,“ the congratulatory message from Prime Minister Novalić reads.

Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Šefik Džaferović, extended New Year's greetings:

"Dear citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Behind us is likely the most difficult post-war year. The coronavirus pandemic has shaken the way of life and habits we had from the ground up and, unfortunately, has claimed nearly two million lives worldwide. In our homeland, more than 4,000 people have died from coronavirus. Many of us have lost family members and friends. To all who have suffered losses, I extend my sincere condolences. I thank all healthcare workers who bore the greatest burden, as well as all citizens who, by respecting epidemiological measures, contributed to Bosnia and Herzegovina coping relatively successfully with the pandemic, on par with or even better than many developed countries.

The consequences of the pandemic on the world economy are immeasurable. Our country's economy is also suffering. I expect governments at all levels to make additional efforts to mitigate the negative economic consequences that inevitably follow with their measures. We will all have to invest equal effort, more coordination, and cooperation in resolving the migrant crisis, which has become a paramount humanitarian issue by the end of this year.

The year we are seeing off was also marked by political turbulence, institutional blockades, and negative rhetoric. Nevertheless, despite everything, we managed to give new momentum to our European path. We have fulfilled some of the recommendations from the European Commission's Opinion. We still have a lot of work ahead of us to finally obtain candidate status by the middle of next year. I expect momentum on the NATO path as well.

In the conditions of the pandemic, we marked the 25th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica, as well as the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. I believe that in the year ahead, although it will also be difficult, we will have many more reasons for optimism, joy, and happiness. I expect that we will overcome the pandemic and move towards economic recovery, and that through internal agreement, building mutual trust, and strong support from our international partners and friends, we will begin reforms that will make Bosnia and Herzegovina more functional. 

This will bring us a step closer to our ultimate goal – a prosperous, democratic, European state of equal citizens and a society of equal opportunities.

With this conviction, I extend sincere congratulations to all of you at home and abroad on the occasion of the upcoming 2021, with wishes for much health, success, and happiness."

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, Zoran Tegeltija, extended New Year's greetings to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

„On behalf of the Council of Ministers of BiH and myself, I wish the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina that the year 2021 brings good health, family happiness, and professional success.

The year ending has been marked by the coronavirus pandemic, which has changed our way of life and our priorities. Saving lives and people's health has become our priority, and in parallel, we have fought to preserve every job and mitigate economic consequences.

I am deeply convinced that in the year ahead, we will successfully overcome health challenges and be dedicated to the economy, investments, creating new jobs, and our European path for the benefit of all citizens, the business community, and the youth for whom we want to ensure a future in BiH. The commitment of the Council of Ministers of BiH and my personal commitment is to be partners in 2021 to all those who work on building society and improving the living conditions of every individual with mutual respect and esteem,“ stated the congratulatory message from the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, Zoran Tegeltija.