Responding to questions from the press, he said Jovanovic was doing his best "to consolidate one of the most difficult sectors, more difficult even than health care."
He blamed "some unions" for not being willing to compromise at a time when the country was in a serious crisis, saying such behaviour was irresponsible. He added that he "would like the union leaders to look at the big picture more."
Asked to comment on Minister Linic's announcement that debts would be written off for citizens and business owners who could not pay them, Milanovic said it was "an attempt to make it easier on people."
"Of course, I'm always saying it, bearing in mind that debts must be paid, that neither I nor Linic are Santa Claus. I hope someone won't strike it down at the Constitutional Court or a referendum, which has become very popular."
He dismissed remarks that the government was creating tax pressure. "Whoever is talking about tax pressure is making it up, because there is no tax pressure and taxes are lower than two years ago." He added that fiscal cash registers were not a reform but law enforcement that should have begun years ago.
"Economic growth next year is a realistic forecast, but you have seen that there is always a grain of dilemma and risk. You have to have some luck."