SNSD against fuel price reduction, justify it as 'transfer of competencies', Magazinović calls them 'ignoramuses'

The House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina is considering a Proposal for a law amending the Law on Excise Duties, submitted by MP Saša Magazinović. He pointed out that we are in a race against time, as many economies more serious than ours are already shaken.

“How urgent it is, we see at the pumps – fuel is as much as 71 fening more expensive compared to the first day of measurement. The urgent procedure is also imposed by the fact that the region is already reacting and introducing measures,” said Magazinović.

The proposed law stipulates that, in the event of market disruption or another justified reason, the Council of Ministers of BiH may adopt a decision on the temporary abolition or reduction of the excise duty on petroleum derivatives. The decision would be valid for a maximum of six months within a calendar year.

“Every new day confirms the need for the urgent adoption of this law, which would enable the Council of Ministers to make fuel cheaper for citizens and the economy in crisis situations,” added Magazinović.

The opponent of the amendments is SNSD, and representative Sanja Vulić warns that this involves a transfer of competencies and that decisions should be harmonized between the two governments.

"This is populism, nothing more," said Vulić.

Magazinović reacted by saying that Vulić is uninformed and an ignoramus, and reminded that the previous version of the Law on Excise Duties in BiH was also supported by SNSD representatives.

Her colleague Milorad Kojić came to Vulić's defense, stating that Magazinović has no right to call anyone an ignoramus.

Branislav Borenović pointed out that with this stance, SNSD is punishing the business community of BiH.

"For us, this is the height of insolence," said Borenović, emphasizing that waiting for an agreement between the two governments in such a situation is absurd, and that it would be better for them to simply say they are not in favor of lowering fuel prices.