Budget for 2024 Discussion: Government Boasts of 500 Million KM Increase, That's Citizens' Money and Should Be Returned to Them

(Patria) - The discussion on the Draft Budget of the Federation of BiH for 2024 began after a one-hour break requested by SDA and SBiH, each for half an hour, to consult on potential amendments to the Budget.
Opposition representatives criticized the proposer, the FBiH Government, because the Budget Proposal was submitted on Monday evening, making it impossible to read everything and prepare for an adequate discussion. The budget is proposed at the amount of 7.5 billion KM.

Head of the SBiH Club, Admir Čavalić, stated that if the Budget has increased by 500 million KM, it is logical that certain items should also increase.

"And that's what the Government boasts about. It's taxpayers' money, and you have no right to boast about it. We, all citizens of FBiH, have contributed that money. And I would ask that by the beginning of November, we receive the draft of the new budget and adopt it by the end of the year. There's no need for applause. It reminds me of this picture I saw, the Heco market is burning, and the Director of Civil Protection is posing and smiling, while everything is burning behind him. This story with the budget reminds me of that," said Čavalić.

He emphasized that the funds increased for the Solidarity Fund will not be sufficient and called on the Government to provide the missing funds.

Alma Kratina (DF) stated that the Budget has increased, but it is not developmental.

"Within the parliamentary majority, funds have been allocated where needed. My Zenica will be penalized, there are no additional funds for the Cantonal Hospital, which is very significant. There is no final tranche for the consolidation of healthcare institutions. There is no support for the Bosnian National Theatre. The citizens of Zenica are once again penalized through the federal budget. In one place, two tax laws and the minimum wage of 1000 KM are shyly mentioned. What the Government has done to us, not only by submitting the budget in this manner but by devaluing our work in thematic sessions. Farmers have been asking for an increase for the past two years. This increase of 11 million KM is not sufficient for all their needs. Regarding mental health, we have an increased number of violence in society. Why haven't we seen the capacities of our mental health centers? 16 million KM for a one-time aid for a newborn child is, for me, charity. The budget is not good, and we, as representatives, are humiliated by this," said Kratina.

Mahir Mešalić, head of the DF Club, spoke about the Draft Budget for 2024.

"You are injecting millions here, we haven't even had time to read it. All those who say this is needed, that is needed, this is an opportunity to correct the injustice towards our citizens," said Mešalić.