Over the past year, Montenegro has made significant additional progress in improving the living standards of its citizens. Compared to, for example, 2019, today we are witnessing numerous positive changes that are a direct result of the reforms and measures implemented by the new Government. All indicators clearly indicate that the citizens of Montenegro live better, better and safer today.
LIFE IS BETTER TODAY AND THAT FACT CANNOT BE DISPUTED
Let's remember that the minimum wage in Montenegro used to be only 222 euros. During that period, citizens faced the challenge of meeting basic needs such as food, housing and communal services. Purchasing power was limited, and many had to make tough choices to cope with everyday living expenses. For example, for a salary of 222 euros, citizens could buy basic groceries and pay basic bills, but they had to save on additional things such as clothes, mandatory car service or leisure activities.
DO NOT LET THEM MANIPULATE YOU
Today, it is no secret that we are facing economic and global challenges. It's no secret that inflation is pressuring us from all sides. However, inflation is not only present in Montenegro, but also in all other countries of the region and Europe. Prices are also rising, not only in Montenegro but everywhere in the world, and much more pronounced. Inflation is a global problem that Montenegro successfully overcomes with the growth of wages, pensions and social benefits.
The graphs below illustrate data from the EU statistics agency on annual price growth for 2022 and 2023, and June 2024 for Montenegro, the Balkans and the European Economic Area, in accordance with Eurostat's methodology (HICP). For clarity, 13 countries with the highest annual inflation rates are shown.
During 2022, nine EU countries, four of which are Eurozone countries, had a higher price increase than Montenegro.
During 2023, eight EU countries, four of which are Eurozone countries, had a higher price increase than Montenegro. Three countries from the Balkans recorded a higher level of price growth than Montenegro.
BASIC RULE: IF PRICES GO UP, EARNINGS MUST GO UP EVEN MORE
The highest inflation in Montenegro, after 2009, occurred at the end of 2022 during the government that preceded the government of Milojko Spajić.
Now let's compare 2019 and 2023. In April 2019, the value of the minimum consumer basket was 648 euros. In April 2023, the amount of the minimum consumer basket was 806 euros. Skeptics will ask again, have costs increased? They are, but the new majority has found a solution for that as well. While costs increased by 158 euros, earnings increased twice as much, by as much as 334 euros. In this way, inflation was overtaken and defeated. Unlike the previous regime, which used the economic crisis as an excuse, the new government worked at full steam, guided by the rule that if prices rise, wages must rise even more.
BIGGER SALARIES, BIGGER OPPORTUNITIES
Attempts to mislead the people fail, because numbers speak better than words!
The fact is that numbers speak much better than words. An example of this is again in 2019, when citizens were able to buy 148 liters of oil, and today 280 liters, in 2019 they could buy 277 kg of flour, and now 583 kg, in 2019 they could buy 222 kg of sugar, while now I can buy 500 kg and at prices from 2023, of bread in 2019, 246, and now 583, unlike in 2019 when they could buy 222 liters of milk, today citizens can buy 466 liters, they could buy 185 liters of fuel, and now much more, 388. As you can see in the final, the numbers clearly say - while the prices jump, earnings must jump even more!
YEAR 2024: MINIMUM SALARY FOR OCTOBER WILL BE 600 OR 800 EUR
Today, the situation is even better. The minimum wage was raised to 600 euros for high school students and 800 euros for university students. This increase in the minimum wage represents a key change that drastically improved the quality of life in Montenegro. Citizens today can afford much more for their earnings.
With a minimum salary of 600 euros, or 800 euros, citizens are able to cover the costs of basic necessities, but also to save, invest in education, healthcare, and even travel. Groceries, rent, utilities, but also more luxurious products, such as clothing, technology and recreation, are now more accessible to more people.
Montenegro is becoming the best example for other countries how to win in the fight for a better standard of citizens!
Thanks to the continuous efforts of the Government led by the constituents of the "Even Stronger" Coalition, PES and the Democrats, Montenegro today represents an example of a country that is moving towards European standards. Increasing wages, better business opportunities and improved social security enable citizens to live with dignity and with a greater sense of security. These results are an indication that Montenegro is moving towards a better future, where the well-being of all citizens is a priority.
(Coalition "Even stronger - Prof. Dr. Saša Mujović")
