SDA calls for urgent austerity measures to save the state

The Party of Democratic Action (SDA) will seek the abolition of so-called "white bread" (unearned income) at all levels of executive and legislative power. We will seek the abolition of fees for work in commissions. We will seek that costs for official travel, phones, etc., be reduced by at least 30 percent, and the number of advisors at all levels of government by at least 50 percent – said Šefik Džaferović, Vice President of SDA at a press conference held at the party's headquarters, reports the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

These are just some of the austerity measures, said Džaferović, adopted by the SDA at a session of the party's Presidency, in order for BiH to emerge from the crisis as soon as possible.

- We will seek partners with whom we will implement austerity measures at all levels of government. However, if our proposal for measures is not adopted in the institutions, SDA cadres will take austerity measures themselves – said Džaferović.

The proposal of measures to help the economy, employment, reduce public spending, and assist social protection in BiH, adopted by the SDA Presidency at today's session, also stipulates that the highest salary can be up to a maximum of five average salaries, and that for members of the BiH Presidency, while the salary of a mayor could amount to a maximum of two to three average salaries, depending on the number of residents and employees in that municipality.

- We will seek a ban on the purchase of new official vehicles until further notice, except for vehicles for the police, fire trucks, and ambulances – said Džaferović, adding that SDA will seek that an official vehicle cannot be more expensive than 40,000 KM.

- The SDA Presidency concluded that the Government of the Federation of BiH should maintain continuity in its functioning, all for the sake of maintaining overall life in the FBiH, payment of disability benefits, pensions, and salaries – said Džaferović.

He called on citizens not to express their dissatisfaction by blocking traffic, as significant material damage has already been done to BiH by doing so. He called on citizens to protest in accordance with the law and in places that will not hinder the flow of everyday life in the city.