Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić revealed that pensions will increase by 11 percent before January next year, equating to an average rise of 5,000 dinars, assuming an average pension of 46,000 dinars. While acknowledging that the increase is modest, Vučić emphasized its importance. He also expressed a desire for a significant increase in the minimum wage, aiming for it to exceed 50,000 dinars.
Vučić highlighted the need for substantial salary increases for educators, stating that these should surpass the pension hikes. He projected that the average salary would reach 900 euros by December and 1,000 euros by the following year.
Additionally, Vučić addressed the upcoming Law on the Protection of Users of Financial Services, which will cap interest rates on various types of loans, including housing loans, cash loans, credit cards, and overdrafts. This law, effective from the end of September, aims to make borrowing more affordable, particularly benefiting young married couples. Vučić assured that this regulation will not harm the banking sector, suggesting that banks, which are highly profitable, can afford to reduce their earnings.
The President also announced an increase in parental allowances effective from November 1. The allowance for the first child will rise to 4,336 euros from 3,307 euros, while the benefit for the second child will increase by 2,000 euros to a total of 6,344 euros, including a one-time payment. The allowance for the third child will be raised to over 20,500 euros, and for the fourth child, to 27,230 euros.
Regarding lithium mining, Vučić assured that no mining activities would commence until all environmental and safety guarantees are secured. He outlined five key points, including addressing issues related to property expropriation and involving top environmental experts in the project. He emphasized that the planned mine near Loznica would be significantly smaller than the existing Bor mine, and that sulfuric acid would be used in a closed system to prevent environmental damage.
