The construction works on the Mateševo-Andrijevica highway section will commence after all preparatory activities are completed in the coming year, with the contractor being the company Monteput, which will also undertake the task related to the Adriatic-Ionian highway,” said Bojan Paunović from the Ministry of Finance.
Paunović, stated that Montenegro’s budget for the next year reflects the real situation.
He mentioned that all reforms aligned with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić‘s promises will start to be implemented in April, once the fiscal strategy is adopted.
“At the beginning of next year, the fiscal strategy is announced. We will adjust these projections as needed. There is a possibility of reducing the number of employees in the public sector,” emphasized Paunović.
Miloš Vuković from Fideliti Consulting believes that it is a budget of continuity that does not bring any significant reforms and will not result in an increase in the average salary to EUR 1,000, the minimum to EUR 700, and the lowest pensions to EUR 600 in the next two years.
“Now, I can say with certainty that from January 2025, there will be no increase in salaries as announced,” said Vuković.
He mentioned that he does not see any reforms, except for the increase in the minimum pension, which is necessary but also discriminatory.
“There is nothing about optimizing the public administration. I am pleased with the announcement of the institutional cycle, but there is no project of the Adriatic-Ionian highway, although it was announced; it is not in the budget,” added Vuković.
Former Minister of Finance Raško Konjević stated that the Government needs to seriously consider opinions coming from the business community.
“We need to consider how they see the further development of the Montenegrin economy and in the reform processes. It is important to have an inclusive approach. The budget satisfies some rules and financing current expenses, that is correct,” Konjević pointed out.
He said it is important to know how to create an environment next year that will encourage strong development of the Montenegrin economy.
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