VUJOVIC: Raising salaries and pensions possible in 2017 depending on the results

Dusan Vujovic

He pointed out that the increased amounts on checks meant very little, since the amount of money that could possibly be received by the citizens, especially senior citizens, would be more of an award for a job well done. He suggested that they would be symbolic, but important for the people to accept the reforms.

The Minister also said that, due to the raising of salaries and pensions, tax increases hadn’t been considered, but that other compensation measures would be introduced if needed.

- We need to believe in the reforms, because there’s no other way out – Vujovic states categorically – We all agree that the times are hard, but I’m wondering how things can be improved without expenses and sacrifices. Our measures are the best possible ones, there’s no doubt about it. Everything else is empty talk. This is why we’ve reached the seventh circle of hell, because talking nonsense only leads us to the very bottom.

Vujovic reminded that the talks with the representatives of the IMF commence on Monday and pointed out that it was normal that the head of the Mission James Roef had a different opinion than him regarding the increase in salaries and pensions.

- The fact that someone in a controlling function prefers to see the other side, the conservative one, and says that he wants to deliberate before making a decision is in accordance with his position – said Vujovic. – We won’t jump ahead or do anything without having the means to do it. Once we’ve made the results, that is, accomplished what we’ve set as our goals, we will raise salaries and pensions without delay. I have no reason for pessimism. We’re moving ahead. All the fiscal indicators are extremely positive and exceed all previous projections.

Vujovic also pointed out that in the next week there would be a lot of heated discussion about whose projections were more realistic and that it would be the first time that the IMF would adjust their projections to match theirs.

- Last year, they projected 1.6%, then 1.8%, and now, based on the results in the first quarter, they've switched to 2.3-2.5% - said the Minister of Finance.