LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR 13TH SALARY AND ECONOMY SUPPORT FUND EXPECTED BY JUNE

BELGRADE, APRIL 17 /SRNA/ – SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said he expects legal solutions concerning a 13th salary and a fund to support the economy to be finalized by June, describing them as important measures to support the real sector.

"This stems from requests and discussions initiated by business leaders themselves. We will implement this immediately. I believe that by June we will have certain legal solutions in place," Dodik told reporters in Belgrade.

He also explained that the intention is to permanently regulate the minimum wage by introducing a mechanism similar to pensions, which are adjusted based on specific parameters.

"In the same way, the minimum wage would be aligned with inflation and the cost of living. There would be no negotiations, lengthy meetings, cancellations, or disagreements, but rather a clear mechanism," Dodik stated.

He added that the global crisis is also affecting Republika Srpska, creating obstacles for businesses, particularly export-oriented industries, noting that declining production in the EU is reducing orders.

"We must support those who have achieved a high level of production quality, ensured employment, and demonstrated resilience in these challenging times," Dodik said.

He noted that Republika Srpska will enable every industrial enterprise, in cooperation with Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske, to install solar panels and generate electricity for their own needs.

According to him, this would address European requirements that products be manufactured using energy from renewable sources.

Dodik pointed out that the real sector now accounts for more than 60 percent of gross domestic product.

"Ten to fifteen years ago it was the opposite, with the public sector accounting for 60 percent and the private sector 40 percent. Today the situation is reversed, which is why we must support all such efforts. There are many companies where, with modest investment, we can introduce second and third shifts," Dodik stated.

He also highlighted the issue of labor shortages, noting that Republika Srpska must find ways to address it, especially in light of upcoming digitalization, robotization and artificial intelligence.

"We want to provide answers to these challenges," Dodik emphasized.