Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is the leading country in the region in terms of inflation. Despite this fact, the government in BiH, apart from ad-hoc measures, did not adopt any systemic measures that would help all citizens to more easily withstand chain price increases and inflationary shocks.
It is important to note that BiH is the record holder when it comes to the level of inflation compared to the countries of the region. Prices are skyrocketing, citizens are left to fend for themselves. Apart from sporadic assistance, systemic solutions are lacking at all levels.
Countries in the region and Europe have long taken measures to mitigate the consequences of the economic crisis and inflation. There are no measures in BiH.
The federal prime minister even claims that we buy cheap fuel compared to Croatia. He compared fuel prices, but not the average salary, which in Croatia is 1.014 euros – twice as much as in BiH.
“In Croatia, fuel costs 4.06, here we have 3.56 – exactly 50 pfennigs less,” told Fadil Novalic, the federal prime minister.
Marin Bago from the Consumer Protection Association Futura Mostar comments on this statement: “He continues to mock the citizens of BiH in addition to all the problems we have, it’s really sad. To take the work of the government seriously is really an insult to the intelligence.”
Economists are not optimistic and predict further growth in inflation and new debts.
“All the losses, deficits and debts that are accumulating must end up in the huge inflation that is ahead. It is unpleasant to imagine how big it will be and what awaits us all,” added Aleksa Milojevic, an economic analyst.
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of BiH has long been demanding price restrictions and the abolition of VAT on basic foodstuffs and the abolition of excise duty on fuel, in order to help all citizens, not just certain categories.
“The authorities are fine with any kind of price increase and inflation, because that’s how the budgets are filled. From those budgets, they increase their own salaries, in one day by 500 BAM. In this way, they stick their finger in the eyes of the citizens of BiH and test the tolerance of people,” emphasized Selvedin Satorovic, president of the Association of Independent Trade Unions of BiH.
Citizens in major cities in BiH protested a few days ago due to price increases and salary increases for state parliamentarians. They are asking for adequate measures to be taken regarding inflation. The red line has long been crossed, and the authorities persistently refuse to work in the interests of the citizens, Radio Sarajevo writes.
E.Dz.
