Pavle Petrović, President of the Fiscal Council, emphasized Serbia’s fiscal stability due to controlled public debt and budget deficit. He highlighted that the sustainability of a fixed exchange rate rests with the National Bank of Serbia, stressing the need for a thorough central bank analysis.
Speaking at the Parliament’s Finance Committee session, Petrović criticized the unregulated salary system across sectors like education and health since 2014, citing disparities and urging reforms. He advocated for internationally accepted procedures in managing the planned €17 billion investments for Expo 2027, citing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transparency in project reporting.
Petrović underscored the potential for lower loan costs in Serbia through adherence to transparent procedures and compliance with public procurement laws, facilitating access to institutional investors like the EBRD and World Bank.
Veroljub Arsić, President of the Board, acknowledged the Fiscal Council’s apolitical stance but disagreed on certain issues. He defended increased investments despite high loan interest rates, criticizing opposition members for financial market misunderstandings.
Arsić argued feasibility studies could be outsourced to private firms, emphasizing the state’s role in improving living conditions over profit. He disputed claims on GDP growth and defended borrowing practices under past administrations.
Branko Pavlović of Mi-glas iz narod criticized the lack of justification studies for proposed projects, questioning their economic viability and suggesting a selective approach to investments.
Overall, the discussion highlighted divergent views on economic policies and investment strategies crucial for Serbia’s financial future.
