Montenegro’s Civic Movement URA has submitted to the Montenegrin parliament a proposal to raise all pensions by 120 euros, set the minimum at at least 600 euros and adjust benefits four times a year. The measures form part of its “Better Standard” package, which aims to protect living standards through higher incomes and lower prices.
Zoran Mikić, head of URA’s parliamentary group, cited Monstat data showing that the average net salary was 1,043 euros in September, compared with an average pension of 576 euros. The pension was 466 euros below the salary, or about 55% of the average wage.
Monstat figures cited by Mikić also showed consumer prices rose 0.5% in September, while salaries increased 0.3%. The faster rise in prices means that nominal income growth does not necessarily improve living standards. Pensioners face the same costs for bread, milk, electricity and medicines as employees, but have fewer ways to manage rising expenses.
Salary increases are expected from January next year, while pensioners are due to wait until April for higher payments. Mikić warned that the difference in timing would widen the gap between employees and older people. “If the state can raise salaries from January, it must find a way to raise pensions at the same time,” he said.
Under the proposal, the average pension would reach almost 700 euros, allowing pensioners to receive an increase before April rather than wait for the rise the government has announced. The package also calls for a minimum pension of 600 euros and quarterly adjustments. Mikić said the proposal was needed because many people who had worked for decades and contributed to the pension system were struggling to make ends meet.
