Reform steps are good, plans needed for implementation

BELGRADE - Member of the Fiscal Council Vladimir Vuckovic said on Monday Serbia's Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic had identified the problems in the country and set goals and deadlines for the implementation of a set of reforms by the new government when he presented the programme for that government to the parliament.

One of the first short-term goals is fiscal consolidation, Vuckovic told Tanjug, adding that he expected those measures to be developed in detail and the plans for their implementation presented in the coming days.

The first test for the programme Vucic presented will be the budget review that should be completed by the end of June, he noted.

The prime minister listed as core problems the ecoomically unjustified growth of salaries and pensions and the troubles with government companies, including those undergoing restructuring, Vuckovic pointed out.

So the 10 percent reduction of salaries in the government sector and introduction of salary categories that would ensure equal salaries for those doing identical jobs are good steps, he remarked.

It is a good thing that the government has decided to strengthen the private sector and announced the adoption of reform laws, which include the laws on bankruptcy, foreign investments, planning and construction, he believes.

Photo Tanjug, N. Jovanovic (archive)