Main Co-ordination Team Meets

The Main Co-ordination Team, composed of the Republic of Srpska President Željka Cvijanović, the Republic of Srpska Prime Minister Radovan Višković, the Serb member of the BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik, the Council of Ministers Chairman Zoran Tegeltija, the Republic of Srpska Health and Social Welfare Minister Alen Šeranić, and the Republic of Srpska Finance Minister Zora Vidović, held a meeting today at the Palace of the Republic.

The President of the Republic of Srpska stated after the meeting that the budget of Srpska is liquid and capable of regularly meeting its obligations, and that there is no change in priorities when it comes to planned infrastructure projects, including the construction of the motorway and the Buk Bijela hydroelectric power plant, that will be implemented through an arrangement with Serbia.

President Cvijanović stressed that the Republic of Srpska is preparing the budget for the next year.

According to President Cvijanović, the coronavirus pandemic has brought Srpska’s economy into a difficult situation and the consequences will be felt for a long time.

The President of the Republic also said that there is concern right now about the epidemiological situation in the Republic of Srpska.

“When it comes to the epidemiological situation, it is not good, but our health sector is well equipped and can cope with what is going on,” said President Cvijanović and thanked healthcare workers who bear the greatest burden.

The President of Srpska called upon the citizens to fully adhere to the prescribed measures.

“As to the economy, the Government of Srpska has taken a number of measures.  The Government takes care of budget users and, as you know, taxes, contributions and minimum wages have been paid to the real sector.  The practice of helping the most vulnerable sectors, where we cannot expect a rapid recovery, will continue,” said President Cvijanović.

The President of the Republic added that salaries in the public sector will not be reduced, because it is necessary to preserve the level of spending.

“We are determined to keep the current level of salaries, and to help preserve local communities and the economy through various funds and different interventions.  What will happen in Srpska will be the same as in other countries,” said President Cvijanović.

On speaking about the 250 million euro that will be provided by the EU for attenuating the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the President of the Republic stated that an incorrect information was placed in the public claiming the process is blocked because of the Republic of Srpska.

“We expect from the EU to return to that topic and that the funds be operational by the end of this year,” said President Cvijanović.

As indicated by the President, the opinion from the Federation of BiH has been awaited for a long time.

“We have also spoken to international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.  And we expect that things that were defined a few months ago will be implemented,” concluded the President of the Republic of Srpska.