Prime Minister urges Parliament to approve budget for 2024 to ensure increased pension payments

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has called on the Montenegrin Parliament to approve the 2024 budget as soon as possible, in order to ensure that increased pensions can be paid in February. In an interview with the Montenegrin Television, Spajić requested that the budget be approved in December if possible, for the benefit of citizens and pensioners.

He highlighted that while December pensions will be paid in January and will be at similar levels as before, the February payments could face challenges if the budget is not approved in time. He emphasized that there is a potential shortfall in the budget that could prevent the government from fulfilling its promise to increase pensions and provide proportional pensions starting from January 1, 2024. He reassured the public that the government is committed to meeting this obligation, but the budget must support these changes.

Spajić warned of the seriousness of the situation, noting that the current temporary financing means that only one-twelfth of this year’s budget is available for monthly allocations in the upcoming year. Without the approval of the new budget, there may not be enough funds to cover pension increases in February. He urged the Parliament to approve the budget quickly, not just for the sake of citizens and pensioners, but also to send a positive message to international investors that the country is functioning normally and that the government is in control.

The Prime Minister also stated that opposition parties should not block the work of state institutions, emphasizing that the government must be allowed to do its job for the benefit of the citizens it represents. He added that, while opposition protests have occasionally disrupted Parliament, the government has refrained from reacting aggressively, preferring to maintain a democratic approach.

Spajić further discussed the implications of the delayed budget, including the challenges of repaying old debts, particularly the high-interest debt accumulated under the previous government. He stressed that the temporary financing system was a great opportunity to cut unnecessary spending, as it had been successfully done in 2021 when nearly 300 million euros in non-productive spending was reduced.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that, while there may not be an immediate need for drastic cuts due to the current budget surplus, the failure to adopt the budget would still pose a significant challenge. He expressed particular concern for pensioners, whose promised pension increases could be delayed if the budget is not passed on time.

Regarding the Velje Brdo project, Spajić clarified that while he does not expect any resettlements in the first half of 2026, it will happen within that year. He emphasized the importance of passing the Spatial Plan for the project, urging Parliament to approve it so that critical projects are not delayed further. If necessary, the plan can be amended annually.

Spajić also addressed concerns that the Velje Brdo project would overshadow the north of Montenegro, asserting that the development is not intended to neglect the northern region. Regarding the issue of a seven-hour working day, he expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached soon, with careful consideration of social partners.

The Prime Minister pointed out that inflation had decreased, with deflation recorded in September, indicating the success of the government’s actions to stabilize prices. He also promised further efforts to reduce costs, including the implementation of government reserves for critical goods.

Looking ahead, Spajić confirmed that the second section of the highway will begin construction in 2024, along with the fast road around Jaz and Grblje. He also mentioned that 12 additional sections of the highway are planned for construction by 2026, with sufficient funding available to complete these projects.