Montenegro’s Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Minister Vladimir Joković told the Parliament of Montenegro on 4 November 2026 that wages should rise as much as possible only while the economy remains sustainable. He warned that increases should not leave employers unable to pay workers and suppliers, tying wage policy to companies’ ability to meet both obligations.
The comments came in response to Ivan Vuković, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), who recalled Joković’s earlier support for the government’s Euromodel, despite saying he would protest against it as an employer. Vuković called this an “obvious paradox” and asked whether the minister was setting aside principles to remain in office, or whether there was another explanation. Joković saw no contradiction.
He had also backed Europe Now 1 and Europe Now 2, the two previous wage-increase models, which he considered justified. In his words: “I always want every employee in Montenegro to receive higher wages; if possible, I support that.”
As an employer, Joković was concerned about whether every company could afford higher pay, particularly businesses in northern Montenegro. He pointed to municipalities and local companies, as well as small buregdžinicas, bakeries, tailoring shops and taxi operators, whose ability to pay wages should be considered.
The Parliament resumed work on 4 November, when Minister without Portfolio Milutin Butorović also answered lawmakers’ questions.
