Unpaid and Unheard: Young People Unite to Take on Government Over Withheld Subsidies
- Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who received subsidies to help with housing costs, are preparing a joint lawsuit after the subsidies were not paid in full.
- According to Nermin Čaušević, the group plans to contact the ombudsmen for human rights and send letters to all embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Ahmed Konaković, the organizer of the protest, pointed out that despite a 100% increase in the budget since 2017, subsidies for young people have decreased by 50%.
Young People Prepare Lawsuit Over Unpaid Housing Subsidies
Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who received subsidies to help with housing costs, are preparing a joint lawsuit after the subsidies were not paid in full. The announcement was made at a protest assembly, where attendees expressed frustration and disappointment with the government’s handling of the situation.
According to Nermin Čaušević, the group plans to contact the ombudsmen for human rights and send letters to all embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are also considering filing a legal case, citing multiple grounds for a lawsuit.
Decrease in Subsidies Despite Budget Increase
Ahmed Konaković, the organizer of the protest, pointed out that despite a 100% increase in the budget since 2017, subsidies for young people have decreased by 50%. He questioned the government’s policy and strategy towards young people, asking “where is the money going?”
Background on the Subsidy Issue
In December last year, a list of 1,142 young people who received a subsidy to buy a flat or house was published. The estimated amount was divided among them, with each person initially receiving 4,800 KM. However, the Sarajevo Canton Assembly later adopted an initiative to increase the subsidy to 10,000 KM, which is the practice in previous competitions.
Government Response
Nihad UK, the Chief Minister of the Sarajevo Canton, stated that the parliamentary initiative was adopted and presented to the relevant minister, Bojan Bošnjak. However, he noted that the minister has not yet received the necessary funds from other ministers to fulfill the initiative.
Minister Bošnjak mentioned that an analysis conducted in May revealed some abuses in earlier calls for subsidies. As a result, the criteria for the next call will be changed.
Abolition of VAT on First Real Estate
A positive development in the housing policy is the announcement of the abolition of VAT for the purchase of the first real estate. This move is expected to provide relief for those solving the housing issue for the first time, as it will significantly reduce the financial burden on citizens and facilitate access to the real estate market.