20.01.2022.
Minister Stefanović: All sorts of “experts” are upset by every move of the state directed towards the strengthening of the Serbian Armed Forces
Statement of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović PhD:
“I cannot but notice that all sorts of so-called experts, both in the country and abroad, are so upset by every move of the state directed towards the strengthening of the Serbian Armed Forces and the betterment of the standard of living of Serbian soldiers, so that they are unable to hide their true motives.
When you present yourself as a representative of a military union, and you criticise the increase in salaries of members of the Serbian Armed Forces, I think that even I do not have to explain in detail what your real motives are. It is clear to all members of the defence system and the entire Serbia.
When the union man celebrates as the golden age the time when the Serbian Armed Forces were disarmed, torn into pieces, where from practically 30,000 people were driven away, while the salaries of those who “remained” after the famous transformation of the politicians who led the state at that time were more than 70 per cent lower than today, it speaks volumes about him. When the man, who thinks that the salary of a senior sergeant first class of 368 euros in 2008 was significantly higher than today’s 645 euro salary, calls us dilettantes, we will not in the least get insulted.
I am proud of the fact that, unlike his “competent” comrades from the opposition, we have managed to obtain the third increase in salaries for members of the Ministry of Defence and Serbian Armed Forces since the beginning of the last year. With their January salary our servicemen will receive additional 8%, after previous 17% that they have received.
I am proud that we have found resources in our budget to increase the salaries of members of the Guard by additional 10% having in mind the great number of tasks that they perform. They really do deserve it. But when they are derided by someone who poses as their colleague, it again speaks enough about him. The amount of manipulation and falsehood that he uses is best supported by the fact that members of the Military Police receive either military police addition of 15% to their salary or a troop addition depending on what is more favourable for them.
We will in all ways possible continue improving the standard of living of members of all units and organisational bodies of the system of defence. Of course, we have never promised that it is possible to correct overnight all the consequences of the thorough destruction carried out by his political buddies.
On the subject of housing, I wish to remind you that they left more than 20,000 servicemen with unresolved housing issue, so it is true that obtaining the roof over one’s head was a pipe dream for the soldiers at the time of his Tadić, Đilas, Jeremić and other. In previous year alone, some 1500 members of defence system resolved their housing issue, and in this very week, 140 of them will move with their families to newly built flats in residential area Jugovićevo in Novi Sad.
