According to the latest World Bank analysis, 2022 is the most difficult year in the last half century. Inflation is eating up salaries and pensions, and the announcements for next year are not optimistic. Citizens in European countries are “tightening their belts” and saving on everything, from heating to hot water and electricity. What is the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)?
European countries invite citizens to save electricity – crisis: who has to save and how?” Citizens of BiH have almost the same comment on the news coming from Europe these days.
“I am over 50 years old and I am in this crisis non-stop,“ said Djordje Vakcic.
For the Vakcic family, the end of this year and the coming crisis do not bring anything new. They use what they have and try to plan expenses in advance.
“Savings are in the bank, if there is money. You need to simply calculate and think for yourself, if we need something tomorrow, I can’t spend it all today. A short espresso 2 BAM, a pack of cigarettes 6 BAM, and the food is expensive!,“ noted Djordje Vakcic.
“We are always in the middle. We are neither in favor of total austerity implemented by the European Union (EU), nor are we in favor of total inclusion. I think we all feel it, but we still pretend not to see it, and that’s actually the problem. As long as we ignore it, and if we don’t look at it as it is, we won’t make any change,“ explained Marko Ristic.
The worst is, however, for pensioners. Although in his later years, Branislav works part-time to supplement his low pension.
“I save a little electricity, but it doesn’t have any effect. It’s not possible, you pay the costs, electricity, utilities, and whatever is left stays for you,“ said Branislav Bogdanovic.
The analysis shows that the situation is unenviable, according to which the year 2022 is one of the most difficult in the last fifty years.
“Otherwise we are masters, that belief exists, masters of survival and coping. That can be a serious message to state institutions, governments and those who care about their population,“ told Drago Vukovic, analyst.
While they anxiously observe how the crisis will develop further, whether we are threatened by restrictions and cold radiators, the citizens of our country are doing what they do best – they manage, BHRT reports.
E.Dz.
