BiH Presidency did not adopt the 2026 Budget, all members voted differently, Amidžić blamed Bećirović

(Patria) - The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina did not adopt the Budget of BiH institutions and international obligations for 2026.

Željka Cvijanović voted in favor, Denis Bećirović abstained, and Željko Komšić voted against, Istraga reported.

The reason for the budget's rejection is that the Minister of Finance and Treasury of BiH, Srđan Amidžić, did not respect the earlier agreement on increasing grants for BiH cultural institutions.

Minister Srđan Amidžić also commented, stating that Bećirović problematized topics unrelated to the Budget.

Amidžić emphasized that he is aware of the difficult financial situation at BHRT, but that other companies and institutions in BiH, such as the "Željezara" in Zenica or the "Vodovod" in Banja Luka, are also in an unenviable position.

- But that has nothing to do with the budget of BiH institutions and BiH's international obligations - Amidžić stated.

Speaking about the role of SDP officials in the budget adoption process, Amidžić said that the only minister in the Council of Ministers, Defense Minister Zukan Helez, showed political rationality because he did not oppose the adoption of the budget at the Council of Ministers session.

- The Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, Nermin Nikšić, contributed to the global fiscal framework not being adopted by postponing the sessions of the Fiscal Council, while Bećirović put politics ahead of the interests of citizens. Due to the budget blockade, the implementation of the NCTS system, which should enable faster flow of goods across border crossings, could also be slowed down. We are in the sixth or seventh phase of that process, and digitalization would allow transporters to spend less time at borders - Amidžić added.

Amidžić reminded that the budget was adopted unanimously in the Council of Ministers and that no budget beneficiary had any objections.

- This budget provides more than 130 million KM for employee salaries in institutions, the application of a higher base from January 1, an increase in meal allowances in accordance with the collective agreement, vacation pay, and a 15 percent increase in transportation allowances - Amidžić concluded.