Protests in front of the Government of Sarajevo Canton building on June 10: Young people still not paid the subsidy difference for apartment purchase

(Patria) - Protests by young people who have still not been paid the difference in subsidies for the purchase of their first property under the 2023 public call will be held in front of the Government of Sarajevo Canton building on June 10 at 3:00 PM.

The Assembly of Sarajevo Canton adopted a Conclusion on June 10, 2024, obligating the Government to pay the difference in funds up to the amount of 10,000 BAM. In January 2024, young people were paid 4,816 BAM each, which is the lowest amount paid since this project has been implemented in Sarajevo Canton. Also, there was no public call in 2024, and there likely will not be one this year either.

Ahmed Konaković, leader of an informal group of young people who have been denied the housing subsidy, said they are organizing the protests after months of promises from the Sarajevo Canton Government, which continued to deceive them and evade its obligations, and due to the unacceptable treatment of young people.

"Recently appointed Minister of Communal Economy Mladen Pandurević and Sarajevo Canton Prime Minister Nihad Uk continue to use clichés about 'searching for a solution' and the opinion of 'competent institutions,' without specifying which institutions, deadlines, or whether there is any real legal obstacle at all," Konaković stated.

Appearing on TVSA on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Nihad Uk reiterated that they are seeking a solution for retroactive payment, but could not promise that it would be realized.

Konaković reminds the public and the Sarajevo Canton Government of the following facts:

- The Conclusion of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly (June 10, 2024) clearly mandates the payment of the remaining part of subsidies up to 10,000 BAM for all 2023 beneficiaries.
- The amendment to the Sarajevo Canton budget for 2025 explicitly provides funds for this purpose.
- The Law on Budgets of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sarajevo Canton leaves no room for ignoring the adopted budget - the executive authority must realize the funds in accordance with the adopted plan.
- Payment in 2025 to 2023 beneficiaries is not contrary to any law or constitution, as it concerns the continuation of the implementation of a program that has been initiated, planned, and budgeted.
- Moreover, avoiding payment and delaying may constitute misuse of budget funds and discrimination against beneficiaries, about which the Office for the Fight against Corruption of Sarajevo Canton has already been informed.

"Unfortunately, Minister Pandurević recently stated that 'there is no reason for a meeting with the young people' - which clearly shows the extremely unserious and ignorant attitude of the authorities towards citizens whose rights have been violated," Konaković emphasized.