2023-09-26
| Belgrade

Debate: Living Standard of the Citizenry and the Autum-Winter of 2023/2024

Centre Dialogue – Social Forum

On 26 September 2023, the Center for Democracy Foundation organised the debate: Living Standard of the Citizenry and the Autum-Winter of 2023/2024, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Partaking in the discussion were: Ivan Nikolić, Economics Institute; Bojan Stanić, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia; Zoran Ristić, United Branch Trade Union Independence; Aleksandar Milošević, Danas magazine; Sarita Bradaš, Center for Democracy Foundation; Žarko Šunderić, Center for Social Policy; Nebojša Atanacković, Serbian Association of Employers; Zoran Mihajlović, Association of Independent Trade Unions of Serbia and others. The discussion was moderated by Marija Antić Šehić, Journalist.

The start of the autumn season is a period when many of Serbia’s inhabitants worries about how they will make ends meet intensify. This time of year brings with it new strains on the household budget, given the pending heating season and the cost of the start of a new school year. Add to this, increased inflation and constant price hikes, which have dramatically jeopardised the standard of living of many families. The announced increase in electricity and gas prices, along with the rise in fuel excise taxes, is expected to further push up the prices of most products. The state reacts with one-off aid measures for pensioners and children up to the age of 16, and with ‘agreed’ price drops on certain items. Negotiations on minimum wage have once again been unsuccessful and the new minimum wage will be significantly below the minimum consumer basket.

During this debate, we wanted to discuss the state of social policy in Serbia and what the citizenry can expect in the coming period. Why is the much-needed social dialogue being downplayed? Is there a connection between minimum wage and the consumer basket? Did we expect a more forceful response from the trade unions? What do employers and business owners think of all this? How does the state combat deep poverty? Do we have an adequate normative and institutional framework in terms of social and economic policy? What systemic measures would serve to improve the socio-economic position of the most vulnerable in our society? What do independent experts and CSOs propose? What is the situation in the region and the EU in regard to these issues?

During the discussion, it was pointed out that ensuring a dignified life for workers and their families is an obligation of the Serbian state, undertaken through the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Nine out of ten households face difficulties making ends meet. Serbia exhibits the highest levels of inequality when compared on a European scale. Tax policy may be a means to redistribute income and reduce inequalities. Approximately 7% of the population lives in absolute poverty. Instruments utilised by the state to assist the poor are deemed inadequate. When people receive social assistance, they are still unable to escape poverty. Systemic measures are lacking; ad hoc measures are not systemic solutions, and money is directed where it is not a priority.

The discussion concluded that the standard of living for the population in Serbia will continue to decline, and systemic solutions are needed, along with an increase in coverage and adequate social benefits. For the strategic development of the state, it is crucial that employed individuals earn an income sufficient to ensure a decent standard of living.

We organised the following debate in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation – Centre Dialogue – Social Forum.

PRESS:

Nova ekonomija
Povećanje akciza ne obara inflaciju, minimalac nedovoljan za preživljavanje

Politika
Građani sa primanjima ispod proseka u strahu od inflacije

Novinska agencija FoNet
Fingirani pregovori

Glas Amerike VOA
„Snalaženje“ kao način preživljavanja u Srbiji

Danas
Pregovori o minimalnoj zaradi fingirani, protesti su samo posledica

Dnevni evropski servis
Debata: Standard građana i jesen-zima 2023/2024