Business owners in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Federation (FBiH) entity are preparing for what they call a “critical” protest in Sarajevo on Wednesday, January 22, in response to the FBiH Government’s decision to raise the minimum wage for 2025 from 619 Bosnian marks (some €310) to 1,000 marks (some €500). Pročitaj više

The protest is being organized by members of a popular Viber chat group called “Privrednici Federacije” (FBiH entrepreneurs), allegedly amassing over 8,000 members, mostly business owners. These entrepreneurs argue that the wage increase will have long-term negative consequences for both the economic and business sectors in FBiH and the country at large.

The group has voiced concerns that the wage hike is another blow to the economy, adding to previous measures such as the smoking ban in public places and enforcing a non-working Sunday. They believe that the government's decision benefits the other entity in the country, Republika Srpska (RS), raising questions about the long-term impact on the FBiH’s economic landscape.

The protesters will gather in front of the FBiH Government building at 11:55 AM on Wednesday, symbolizing the critical moment—five minutes to twelve—that they claim they cannot wait through any longer. Their message: a call for fair wages and an economic environment more favourable to employers.

Under the banner “Be Part of the Change”, the protesters’ demands include salaries exceeding 1,000 marks (€500), a fairer tax system, reduced employer contributions, and an end to what they describe as unfair burdens on business owners.

One of the administrators of the Viber group, Jasmin Begic, criticized the decision, stating that the FBiH Government’s decision to raise the minimum wage is self-serving and not aimed at benefiting the workers themselves.