5 key points from Macut's address: Higher salaries, further wait lists reduction, 3 more we're waiting for
PM-designate Djuro Macut today presented his keynote address in the Serbian National Assembly, presenting important projects, changes in laws and principles that will guide the new government.
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Since all this concerns the fundamental elements of our society and state, starting from education to health, legislation and infrastructure, it is difficult to single out the most important ones, and these are the five that we would highlight.
Education: Necessary reforms
At the beginning of his presentation, Macut pointed out that the current situation in education, where many institutions are not yet conducting classes, must end, in order to preserve education and our universities. He then announced that the sector will undergo radical reforms, and one of the most important projects, the introduction of tests that will enable regular monitoring of talent in our country.
"We must act immediately in the field of education and change many things. Generations have suffered so that today we would have a state that is sacred, Serbia is sacred because of the sacrifices made for it," Macut said and added:
"Protests are a natural manifestation of youth, but not blockades as a form of denying others the right to get an education. My obligation is to discuss all the grievances, but in accordance with the law and the Constitution. For me as a professor, all students are the same and they are all our children. They are my top priority."
Healthcare: Reducing wait lists
Speaking about healthcare, Macut announced the introduction of e-records, which will put patients' health history in one place, as well as modern diagnostics and development of personalized medicine.
He also pointed out that since September 10, waiting lists have been reduced by more than 30,000.
"We plan to continue the reduction and to eliminate the biggest waiting lists, for hip and knee replacements, by the end of 2026," he said.
Higher standard of living, wages and pensions
Macut stressed the goal of further raising the standard of living and GDP, as well as development of infrastructure and projects.
"The growth of citizens' standard of living will be accompanied by an increase in salaries in the public sector and pensions," announced Macut.
The average salary in 2027 will be 1,400 euros, and the pension 650 euros. And the minimum wage is 650 euros, added Macut.
He also pointed out that the trend of growth of salaries of teachers will continue in order to ensure that the starting number is at least equal to the average salary at the national level and added that a radical reform of the curriculum is necessary in order to ensure that education that meets the modern needs of the labor market.
"Continuous salary growth in education is a basic priority and it is the most important aspect of attracting quality people to the teaching profession. In 2025, salaries were increased by 11 percent from January and another five percent from March. From October 1 this year, an additional five percent increase will follow, which will increase salaries in education by 22 percent over only 10 months. After the salary increase in October, the starting salary of teachers will be more than 106,000 dinars, and that class teachers 113,000 dinars," said Macut.
Judicial reform, fight against corruption
"Serbia must be a country where laws are not only enacted, but also enforced. Soon, we will forward amendments to the Criminal Code to the Assembly. By the end of 2025, we will also adopt new strategic documents," announced Macut.
He also stressed zero tolerance for corruption.
"Zero tolerance for crime and corruption," he said, adding that there will be no protected persons.
Metro construction
Speaking about the construction of the Belgrade metro, Macut stated that the works are proceeding according to plan.
"The first line will connect Zeleznik and Mirijevo, the second will go from Bezanija to Mirijevo, and both lines will cross at Sava Square. A third line, Banjica-Bezanija, is also planned. The metro system will significantly improve transportation in Belgrade and give a strong impetus to technological and economic development of society," said Macut.
(Telegraf.rs)