The guest of the show Federation today was Adnan Delić, Minister of Labor and Social Policy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with whom Federalna TV discussed changes to the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance, the expected increase in pensions in 2026, but also the controversial Article 81, which caused the most public controversy. Will the House of Peoples confirm the law Minister Delić says that he has no dilemma about the importance of the law, but reminds that the final decision rests with the House of Peoples delegates.
“I have an obligation to inform citizens, above all pensioners, that the House of Peoples is the body that decides and can either support or not support the law. I hope that, as in the House of Representatives, the amendments to the law will be adopted unanimously.”
He emphasizes that this is one of the most financially demanding laws in this mandate.
“This is one of the most complex laws because it covers one of the largest categories of population in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fact that it was adopted unanimously in the House of Representatives shows that all earlier criticisms were unfounded.”
Pension growth: 17 percent instead of 5-6. Speaking about the announced increase in pensions, Delić points out that the changes in the calculation formula bring a significantly higher increase in income.
“Instead of GDP-related growth, we are introducing the average salary in the Federation of BiH. This guarantees us a pension growth of more than 17 percent this year, instead of the previous 5 to 6 percent.”
He adds that in practice this will mean a significant increase. “The minimum pension will increase by more than 100 convertible marks. For comparison – in the period of almost ten years earlier, minimum pensions increased by approximately the same amount as they will increase in one year now.”
A message to those with shorter working experience
The Minister emphasizes that no one will be left without the right to a pension, but that incomes must be commensurate.
“Those with 15 years of service have the right to a pension, but it cannot be the same for someone who has worked for 15, 20 or 40 years and has the same income. The differences in the contributions paid are huge and the burden of not working cannot be transferred to those who have worked their entire working life.”
The law as a realistic but necessary compromise In the end, Delić admits that the law is not perfect, but that in the given circumstances it is the only sustainable solution. “This law is not ideal, but it is realistic and financially possible.
Great efforts have been made to provide funds and at the same time preserve the stability of the pension system.” He adds that other reforms are being made in parallel. “Laws on the labor market are in the process, which should increase the number of employees. This is the only way we can ensure the long-term stability of the pension and disability system.”
