While the public hears about the historic budget of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina FBiH workers in the real sector, pensioners, farmers and social categories are still waiting for better days.
What does 11 percent increase mean for pensioners at a time of constant price increases? The situation is shameful for retired engineer MijoFrankovic, reminding of the social assistance paid to those who receive their salary from the same budget.
They give him 1,080 BAM to increase the cost of living. That s the absurdity of the times, it is the rule of the strong. I can't buy a kilo of Veal for that increase, plus medicines, which are getting more expensive. It is miserable, said Mijo Frankovic, pensioner and columnist.
A total of 164 million BAM was allocated for agriculture, i.e. An increase of four million people caused the indignation of this population. This is mentioned amongst other things in the statement from the Federal Association:
The proposed amendment that boosted the federal budget for agriculture by four instead of the promised 42 million is nothing but a slap in the face of farmers. This attitude towards agriculture will lead to an inevitable decline in production and increase the prices of agricultural products. Eldin Glibanovic, Group of Milk Producers of Tuzla Canton TC Strong reactions were caused by the amendments that take away 10 million BAM from the Railways of the Federation because of the fact that the increase is insufficient, because of the fact that all inputs in milk production have become more expensive, from seed material to fertilizers, which is the heaviest fuel we use every day.
With this act you have caused the anger of the workers and that as a trade union we will take a stand and will not allow a political fight over the railways. Expect a strike and stoppage of railway traffic and the collapse of the economy in the whole of BiH. The real sector reminds that the increase is solely due to the citizens, which is caused by price increases, while politicians praise the larger funds in the budget.
We expect that the budget will provide various incentives, create jobs, and help companies that are expanding. As a trade union, we are asking for the lowest salary to be one thousand BAM. Fahrudin Sahovic, president of the Independent Trade Union of TC workers, said that the lowest pension should be linked to the lowest salary in the Federation.
It is not yet known whether workers in the real sector will receive a decent minimum wage, but it is certain that civil servants and state employees will be in the amount of 11.1 percent. They should also think about new vehicles.
Estimated funds of two million for the purchase of vehicles for federal budget users, based on a decision to be determined by the Government, said Jelka Milicevic, Minister of Finance FBiH.
The biggest increase in budget is the pensions, for 665 million BAM, and for persons with disabilities it is 18 million BAMmore compared to the previous year. The crowds in front of soup kitchens are evidenced how significant it is for vulnerable groups, among which are those who don't have any money from the budget, for which they claim belongs to the citizens.