23.05.2021.

Minister Stefanović on improvement of MoD and SAF members’ standard of living

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, said today that members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces were true patriots, who loved their country above all, which was why the government would continue working on the improvement of their standard of living and providing the best possible living conditions for them and their families.

The Minister said this today, at the handover ceremony of armoured combat vehicles donated by the Russian Federation, in response to a journalist’s question about what members of the defence system can expect in the coming period in terms of investment.

– We made an effort, above all, to increase salaries, and I talked to President Vučić about that when I was appointed the Minister of Defence. These increases were a key factor in improving our service members’ standard of living, but we will do everything to make these people live even better in the coming period, in terms of their salaries and other income in the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces - said Minister Stefanović.

Stefanović also referred to the housing development project for members of the security forces.

– We want these people to have a roof over their heads and to be able to get it at affordable prices, but we also want to reinforce our troops. A few days ago, I visited 90 new NCOs, most of whom came from civilian life, and who completed our course. They will soon be assigned to our AF and AD units, and that is 90 new people whom the AF and AD hired in one day, which was the first time in the last two decades - said Stefanović. According to him, a new job competition has been announced for another 102 positions, which ends in late May.

He also pointed out that the government would continue investing in training and working conditions for members of the MoD and the Armed Forces.

– They are highly motivated people and true patriots, people who love their country, and that is why they must have the best possible quality of life. The fact that they decided to serve Serbia, choosing one of the most complex professions, also means that they and their families should live well on their salaries - concluded Stefanović.

The Minister called on all members of the defence system, as well as the citizens of Serbia, to get vaccinated against Covid. According to him, vaccination is already giving good results in suppressing the epidemic in our country, and that is why it is important that we be responsible towards ourselves, our families, colleagues and Serbia.

– Once again, I want to ask people to listen to health workers’ appeals. Over 95 percent of military doctors and other medical staff at the Military Medical Academy and in the entire military health care system are immunized.

These are people who know what they are doing, they are the most competent in this field and we should follow their example. If they did it and think it is beneficial, there is no reason for others not to do the same - said Minister Stefanović.

VIDEOGALLERY

23.05.2021

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Minister Stefanovic on SAF members' standard of living