Regardless of your occupation, it is very unrewarding to make assessments about your own work, especially if you are occupying a public function which, quite understandably, falls under close scrutiny of the public. On the 12th of March, there will be four years since I took the position of the Prime Minister for the first time. I would use this opportunity to remind the citizens of the key elements of the Government's work in the past four years.
The Government holds the highest executive power and as such deals with vital issues affecting the lives of our citizens on a daily basis. Our task is to secure just distribution of public goods, to create and implement program which take care of the needs of all categories of people. Bearing that in mind we defined our goals and priorities together with our coalition partners. This is above all the budget stability and regular disbursements of payments. In view of complex political and economic circumstances, that was an ambitious goal. Nevertheless, since 2013 the Republic of Srpska has recorded a steady GDP growth. Also, the budget is stable and obligations fulfilled while both industry production and export keep rising. Employment is higher so that in 2016 there were 20,000 more people employed than in 2013. That should make us happy but is hardly enough and would not make us stop.
In spite of many challenges, including disastrous floods back in 2014 which took the toll of the entire annual RS budget, we demonstrated responsibility and social sensitivity toward those who needed the help most. We raised pensions and continued to work on enhancing the position of our elderly population. We have not forgotten our veterans and help their families through various programs. We built roads, hospitals and students home; we took to resolve situation in companies which accumulated issues for years such as Birac Alumina Factory or Banja Luka Tobacco Industry and thus preserved thousands of works. We started energy projects when no country in the region dared to do so.
We know where we are going and have a clear plan. Our main objective is strong Republic of Srpska with stronger economy and stronger political and institutional capacities. We are aware that the reforms are needed in key areas knowing it was crucial for stability and development. Working along with our partners we accomplished a lot on the improvement of business environment and unburdening of the economy taking care at the same time of the workers and their rights. We shall continue with strategic approach to reforms, primarily in the sectors of public finances, public enterprises, health care, infrastructure and agricultural development.
We are aware that one could always do more and better. The Government of the Republic of Srpska shall remain open for constructive criticism and suggestions which are in public interest but would never give in when it comes to the interests of the Republic of Srpska. The complexity of political relations within BiH, a destabilizing role of one part of the political elite in Sarajevo including one part of international community, lack of determination and vaguely defined position of the Serb representatives in BiH institutions only worsen out position and actions.
I want to believe in regional stability and good relations but this process requires mutual respect and confidence as preconditions for any movement forward. The Republic of Srpska would continue to support dialogue within BiH in accordance with its constitutional competences. Still, we cannot accept the thesis that one side is deprived of its legitimate democratic rights and accused of alleged destabilization whereas the other side is allowed to get away with institutional obstruction and neglect of the reform processes and the European path which they declaratively support. The Republic of Srpska Government has proven its efficiency and serious approach in implementing the Reform Agenda and setting the Coordination mechanism. Now, it is up to the others to show equal level of responsibility and prove whether their true commitment is moving toward the future or going back to the past. Final and the only relevant judgement of our work would be given by the citizens and those citizens and its institutions are the biggest capital of the Republic of Srpska.