Employers Surprise and Worry Novalić with Criticism of Government Anti-Inflation Measures

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH Fadil Novalić commented on the reaction of the Association of Employers of FBiH regarding the Decree on the program of assistance to population categories particularly affected by inflation, which the Federal Government is preparing. The Prime Minister says he read the reaction in the media.

-Although I saw the reaction during breaks between meetings I had in several BiH cities with officials and businessmen, domestic producers, I was surprised by its unnecessary political undertone. No one benefits from dissonant tones, except for those who do not care about solving the life problems of our citizens.

I am very concerned that there is such a negative reaction to only one small part of the Decree, which allows employers to voluntarily help protect their workers from price increases by paying them one salary equal to the average wage, and in return, they would be exempt from paying contributions on that payment.

On the other hand, 95 percent of the Decree relates to the Government's program of assistance to socially vulnerable populations through monetary compensation and packages with basic foodstuffs, which will be fully financed from the budget of the Federation of BiH, about which the Government will bring details at tomorrow's session.

Instead of political messages that only suit populists in this pre-election period, I invite all partners to work together on adopting the best mechanisms for mitigating the consequences of price increases, including the Law on Income Tax and the Law on Contributions, which have been in parliamentary procedure since 2018, emphasizes Prime Minister Novalić.