Minister of Finance, Sinisa Mali, as a guest on the RTS morning program, reminded the citizens of Serbia of all the measures that Serbia has been implementing since April, when the first wave of the corona virus started.
– As soon as the corona virus pandemic started, we had a budget rebalance when we set aside 5.8 billion euros. A huge package of assistance to our economy and the citizens of Serbia. We paid 5 minimum salaries in the private sector – stated Mali.
That proved to be a good step, Mali pointed out and added that in the second quarter of this year, the unemployment rate was at the historically lowest level of 7.3 percent.
Mali also stated that despite the corona virus, Serbia is strengthening its health capacities.
– 75 million euros for the construction of two Covid hospitals, equipping those hospitals. We have set aside money for new capital projects. We have set aside money for businessmen – said the Minister.
Money will also be invested in capital projects such as the completion of the bypass around Belgrade and the Moravian Corridor. 42.5 million euros is also planned for farmers
Public debt under control, Serbia the best in Europe
The Minister added that the public debt is completely under control and that it will not exceed 60 percent of GDP, unlike some countries where, as he says, the public debt goes over 150, 200 percent.
The Minister also pointed out that Serbia will be the best in Europe in terms of growth rate, and pointed out that according to the projections of the IMF and the European Commission, Serbia will have the highest cumulative growth in the next three years.
– We are the leaders and the IMF and the European Commission say that… That means that we have implemented reforms in the right way and strengthened our economy – said Mali.
– We have strengthened our economy in the right way, and that was the goal of our government even as the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, said years ago – said Mali, showing the IMF and EC charts which indicate that Serbia expects good results.
New budget revision soon
Mali announced that a new budget rebalance will be presented to the Government of Serbia soon.
– A deficit of three percent is planned, in agreement with the IMF, which provides further opportunities for reducing public debt. More money will never go to capital investments. Our pensions have been growing 5.9 since January, and the minimum wage has been growing 6.6. We will go quickly with the announcement of how much our salaries are growing in the public sector – announced Mali, Novosti reports.
