Serbia's Finance Minister Mali Details Payouts from Akcionarski Fund to Adult Citizens

Akcionarski fund cash aid Siniša Mali Serbian public finances excise tax cut

The Serbian government plans to distribute a one‑off cash aid to all citizens over 18 years old, financed from the Akcionarski (shareholder) fund. The fund, created in 2010 to manage shares from privatized state enterprises, holds about 27.5 billion dinars in term deposits and roughly 0.5 billion dinars in current accounts, plus a portfolio of shares in 373 companies (232 active). More than 4.8 million adults own 98.65 % of the fund’s shares.

Finance Minister Siniša Mali said the cash “belongs to the citizens” and that the state has sufficient resources, adding that “the fund has been filled with citizens’ money for years, it belongs to all Serbian citizens and now will be paid out.” He announced a 20 % cut in excise taxes, highlighted a stable fiscal position confirmed by Fitch, and noted a recent €500 million six‑year euro‑bond issuance and preparations for Expo 2027. Central Bank Governor Jorgovanka Tabaković said the NBS will transfer 33.7 billion dinars of 2025 profit to the state budget. President Aleksandar Vučić linked the fund’s resources to proceeds from past privatizations of state assets.