Marić: Tax refunds arrive on June 12

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Zdravko Marić stated on Saturday that pension payments will be made before the holiday of Corpus Christi on June 11, and tax refunds to citizens will start on June 12.

"In June, we have a whole range of things to pay, we will start at the beginning of the month with pensions, and after that, tax refunds will begin on June 12," Minister Marić said in a statement to NovaTV.

A journalist asked the minister if his previous claim that "everything can be touched, except pensions" still stands, to which Marić responded affirmatively.

"That’s right, let retirees know their pensions will be paid before Corpus Christi," Marić said.

The minister was responding to questions about EU assistance, which has agreed on a new solidarity instrument through 100 billion euros in loans to preserve jobs, and for which Marić hopes a compromise solution will be found as several member states, such as Austria, have rejected it.

He also responded to whether there is concern that many, due to a poor season, such as apartment renters, will seek help from the state after the season.

"That is certainly one of, I won’t say dangers, but challenges of the whole situation. This year’s tourist season will certainly not be anywhere near as good as last year’s. We have assumed a decline in tourism of as much as 70 percent in our GDP projection, which has significant repercussions on individual budgets and credit obligations of certain citizens and private renters," Marić said.

He added that moratoriums on loans have begun, but believes that banks should show "more openness" regarding this and the issue of new liquid assets.

"We will do everything within our capabilities and legal activities, I hope that banks will finally unlock that brake," Marić said.

Commenting on the election year, Marić stated that it is "logical and justified" that he will be a candidate on the HDZ election list.

"To somehow account for myself. In which electoral unit and for which position, the party leadership will decide," emphasized Marić.

When asked if he will be on the list for the 5th electoral unit, whether he fears competition and conflict with the Mayor of Vukovar Ivan Penava, Marić replied that, on the contrary, he looks forward to it.

"I wouldn’t call it a conflict, it’s an electoral race and electoral duels, debates. We have a lot to offer, or rather to say what has been done and what we will do, it’s not just a matter of accounting but also seeking trust for the future," Marić highlighted.

When asked about the Wind Farm affair, in which HDZ member Josipa Rimac was arrested, and whether this is a burden for HDZ before the elections, Marić said he has nothing to add on that. "It’s hard for me personally to assess the effects of this whole case," he said.

He agreed that such cases have never been pleasant for the government, but believes that attention should be focused on economic topics such as investments, structural reforms, resilience, recovery, and economic growth.