President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia has affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that the minimum wage consistently covers the cost of the consumer basket.

During a recent appearance on national television, he stated that efforts would be made to implement increases in pensions before January 1, depending on budgetary conditions.

As reported, in January the consumer basket was approximately eight to nine percent lower than the minimum wage, a gap Vučić aims to eliminate.

He emphasized the need to stop the violence the country has been facing, calling for dialogue to protect the nation and its stability.

As of the latest data, around 95,000 people in Serbia receive the minimum wage, with 7,000 employed in the public sector and 88,000 in private sectors, raising concerns about potential job losses in the latter.

In response to a question regarding the departure of the Drekslmajer company from Serbia, Vučić stated that the firm's exit is attributed to higher wage levels in Serbia compared to other countries with lower labor costs, rather than solely to the minimum wage increase.

He conveyed that the government is working to balance benefits for both employers and employees, aiming to increase the tax-free portion of income to relieve the financial burden on businesses that pay minimum wage.

Vučić recalled a time when the government could not cover even a third of the consumer basket, noting that the situation has improved.

He also highlighted that pension increases would now outpace wage growth, with a commitment to potentially expedite pension adjustments prior to January.

He underscored pensions' importance over the recommendations of the Fiscal Council, revealing that pensions had already seen nearly a 300 percent increase over the last 12 years, while cumulative inflation stood at 96 percent during that period.

The president reiterated the need for order in society while encouraging citizens to trust in the state’s ability to maintain peace and stability amid ongoing tensions.

Vučić expressed that economic growth represents not a nightmare but a hope for prosperity, contrasting with ongoing unrest.

In reference to local elections results in Zaječar and Kosjerić, Vučić described the Serbian Progressive Party's (SNS) victory as clear and legitimate, with no objections recorded on official counts.

He asserted that no instances of electoral misconduct by the SNS were documented and criticized opposition narratives claiming otherwise.

Moreover, Vučić announced a commitment to hold accountable those who attacked journalists during the electoral process, emphasizing a new era of responsibility.

He denounced the violence against women and pledged to encourage dialogue among those with differing views.

In relation to the Expo 2027 project, Vučić expressed pride in its prospects and announced that citizens would participate in decisions regarding the allocation of 1,500 apartments being constructed for post-exposition use.

He confirmed that participation has been strong, with 114 countries expressing intent to join the expo.