The new lockdown, introduced in Serbia, which will last until Monday, has worried many businessmen, especially small traders, caterers, craftsmen and other service activities, which are most affected by the new closure and business interruption. Many are of the opinion that without work and daily markets there is no survival, which they are also aware of in Nemanjina 11.
In addition to the announcement of mitigation of measures and unlocking of certain activities, the government is also announcing talks with the most endangered economic sectors, but also the possibility of new assistance.
According to official announcements, in the next few days, they will talk to the representatives of the most endangered sectors, in order to determine how they can be additionally helped.
The Minister of Finance, Sinisa Mali, stated that, together with the Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, he would talk to the representatives of the most endangered sectors in order to determine how to further help them in the crisis caused by the coronary virus pandemic.
Regarding the protest of the caterers due to the new measures of the Crisis Staff, which include closing the premises until Monday, Minister Mali says that the health of the citizens is the most important, but that the state is always there to help.
Among the most endangered activities, since the beginning of the pandemic a year ago, are tourism and catering, hoteliers, truckers, organizers of various types of events. That is why the state has recognized and provided additional support to these sectors in previous aid packages.
They were joined by small shops, artisans and other service industries, which were once again affected by the new closure, although it was announced that the crisis headquarters could allow certain sectors to work in the next sessions, where the danger of spreading the virus was assessed. For a start, hairdressers and beauty salons are mentioned as exceptions to “lockdown”, but also some others.
Three models of help
Judging by the current practice, three models of assistance could be available to businessmen who are additionally affected by the new “lockdown”.
In the first place, there would be direct financial support through assistance in the payment of salaries (new minimums), in the second place there is a new moratorium on loans and finally a postponement of the payment of due taxes and additional favorable loans for companies.
Businessmen have already pointed out that direct support through the payment of a few “minimums” helped them get through a difficult period and survive in the beginning of the crisis. More than 90 percent of companies used the first moratorium on loans.
Let us remind you, the state supported the economy within the first and second economic aid package, last year, with a total of three monthly minimums and twice 60 percent of the amount of the minimum wage.
The first was paid into the company’s accounts at the beginning of May, the second in June, and the third in July. Large companies received 130 euros three times for each worker, and everyone else received 250 euros, ie the entire minimum wage.
As part of the second package of measures, workers were paid 60 percent of the minimum wage in August and September, ie a total of 300 euros.
The economy, as well as the citizens, were provided with a moratorium on loan repayment on two occasions, and through the Development Fund and the guarantee scheme, more favorable loans for companies were provided.
Third package in progress
Minister Mali points out that the third package of state aid measures is being implemented, which envisages that, in addition to micro, small and medium-sized companies, large companies will also receive half of the minimum wage for three months per employee. The payment should start at the beginning of April and continue in May and June, and the registration of companies lasts from the end of March.
“It is about a total of 1,500,000 employees. Applications are in progress. Also, we have identified the sectors that are more endangered, and those are tourism and catering, we will help them additionally, with one whole minimum wage. In addition, we also help city hotels, which will receive 350 euros per individual bed, or 150 euros per accommodation unit. We are also helping truckers who will receive 600 euros per bus six times,” says Mali, RTVNP reports.
