Mirza Mulešković, an economic analyst, stated in an interview with RTV Nikšić that a boycott of stores will not yield the expected results, as the rise in prices is due to increased costs, not higher profit margins. He emphasized that a boycott should not be the only solution and that it is crucial for representatives of the economy and decision-makers to engage in dialogue.
While he acknowledged that the boycott is a good initiative to express the public’s dissatisfaction with current prices in Montenegro, Mulešković pointed out that it has not had a significant impact so far, as prices have not decreased. He explained that the situation should not be viewed only from the perspective of 2025.
“We need to look at the situation from the last two to three years and understand the underlying reasons for the current state. We must recognize that the costs for businesses have increased, and as a result, it was inevitable that food prices would rise. The administrative wage increases have led to higher costs for entrepreneurs,” he said.
Mulešković believes that a supermarket boycott is unlikely to succeed or lead to long-term price reductions. The key message, he emphasized, is that a boycott should not be the only option.
“There should be more focus on pressuring the government to act, as we have not seen an adequate response since the boycott started. A dialogue between the state and retail chains needs to begin to determine who can take steps to stabilize the situation. The costs are such that we cannot expect significant price reductions,” he added.
On the subject of Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s support for the boycott, Mulešković noted that if Spajić is supporting it in his capacity as prime minister rather than as a citizen, it is detrimental to the economy.
“It is not good for the prime minister to support a boycott of retail chains, which predominantly contribute to our budget. Sending such a message to the economy is harmful. This could drive entrepreneurs out of the country. The retail sector impacts GDP, and Montenegro’s government policy is based on a consumption-driven model of public finances, heavily dependent on tax revenues, especially VAT. As we have seen, the spectacular results over the past two years were due to the rise in prices and the influx of foreign visitors spending here,” Mulešković concluded.
He stressed that strengthening the economy and real economic sectors is essential for the development of any society.
