More than two million people applied for the 100 Euro promised by the Serbian authorities to the entire adult population as aid during the coronavirus pandemic in the first few hours, Finance Minister Sinisa Mali told the Serbian state TV (RTS).

The minister said that 2,350,000 people applied for the aid on the first day, adding that payment will start this Friday to pensioners and people on social security who do not have to apply. The payments will continue every five days until completed, he said.  

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced the measure in a live appearance on a pro-government TV station during the state of emergency, promising the payment of 100 Euro to every adult citizen of Serbia who applies for it with the exception of pensioners and people on social security. The opposition has criticized the measure as populist and costly to the country’s finances.