CVIJANOVIĆ: CARING FOR REPUBLIKA SRPSKA STARTS WITH CARING FOR FAMILIES - SRPSKA LOVES YOU

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, AUGUST 22 /SRNA/ — The future of Republika Srpska lies in its people, which is why supporting families is a fundamental commitment and the motivation behind every political step we take, while a range of measures introduced over the years has reflected that commitment, Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović said in a statement to SRNA.

"Pronatalist policy has never been a matter of special dates or ceremonial speeches for us, but of concrete measures that provide parents with security," Cvijanović told SRNA on the occasion of the "Srpska Loves You" campaign, through which the Office of the President of Republika Srpska will present, in the coming period, the rights and measures that today form the family-support system in Republika Srpska. She reminded that a strong system supporting families has been built over the past several years - from maternity benefits for unemployed mothers and allowances for parent-caregivers, to support for having children, including three free in-vitro fertilization procedures covered by the Health Insurance Fund, free non-invasive prenatal tests for pregnant women and a one-time payment of BAM 500 for equipment for every newborn. "We have also linked family support with children's education. Free textbooks were introduced for first- and second-grade pupils, and this right was extended to high-achieving pupils from large families in grades three through nine," Cvijanović stated. She stressed that special support had been provided for third and fourth children, interest rates for housing for young married couples had been subsidized, and houses had been built for large families across Republika Srpska. In addition, Cvijanović pointed out, regular monthly payments had been introduced for unemployed parents in large families. She added that particular importance had been attached to protecting working mothers through various measures, which is why Republika Srpska had fully assumed the costs of maternity leave. "Meeting wonderful families across Srpska was the greatest motivation for me, both as prime minister and as president, to participate in creating this systemic change. We have shown that institutions know how and are willing to stand behind their people, with a message to all of them: You are not alone - Srpska loves you!” the Serb member of the BiH Presidency said.