At the first regular session of the Government, the Government will expand the coverage of margin restrictions, and this time a larger number of products will be included. The key for the Montenegrin market is to bring in foreign retail chains from the European Union, in order to open up the market and reduce margins.
This was announced by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić at the press conference.
He pointed out that Europe Now 1 and 2 are only the beginning of the economic reforms that are planned until the end of the Government's mandate, and that the standard of citizens will be significantly higher. He also stated that the trade chains were particularly advanced during the previous governments and that they are working to limit margins.
"At the first regular session of the Government, we will expand the coverage for which we will limit the margins, and cover more products," Spajić pointed out and stated that the key is to bring in foreign chains from the EU, in order to open up the market and reduce margins.
Spajić also added that Montenegro must correct the infrastructure because the product is already expensive when it arrives in Montenegro, and it is not worthwhile to bring large quantities of product. He stated that inflation is the same as at the European level and that it is not a problem, but that prices have risen to such an extent that every small change is felt.
"The increase in prices happened during the 43rd government, 80 percent of the price increase from 2020 to 2024, happened during that government. This is largely due to geopolitics, and now we have to correct it and return prices to the previous level. We will have measures, we will ask the citizens which products we need to cover and the citizens do not need to worry", said Spajić and emphasized that there are also European markets, where the prices are lower than in domestic ones.
EBRD loan postponed by Ashov
When asked about his earlier announcement, that the first shovel on the second section of the highway would go into the ground already in September, Spajić stated that they planned to build this road themselves, while in the meantime the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development had also shown interest ( EBRD).
"In order to secure financing from the EBRD and receive a grant of more than 100 million euros, we had to adapt to their tender and way of working, and that changed in a few months. A grant of 100 million and a loan of 200 million at the most favorable conditions, fully justify a couple of months of waiting," said Spajić.
Spajić also referred to concerns about the sustainability of the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO), and stated that the health system has not been destroyed, so PIO will always have money for pensions. He pointed out that Europe is now 1 and 2, essentially the same reforms.
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"No one will ever have their pennies reduced, the fact that someone does not know how to count and does not understand that this increases both gross earnings and adjustment three times a year. Also to choose the most favorable point, to move a quarter of the least favorable points, etc. With one such a rigorous procedure, you come to the point that it is not even theoretically possible that someone's pension will be reduced, it is theoretically not possible. pensions in the future. This is the logic presented by those people, it would mean that pensions should have been reduced in Europe now," Spajić pointed out, adding that it was disinformation.
MPs wrote the Law on the Development Bank
When asked whether the Development Law was prepared by the Ministry of Finance or the deputies of the Europe Movement now, given that the information about it is contradictory, Spajić pointed out that he does not see what is controversial about the Government and the Parliament working together on a regulation.
Laws submitted by departments must be submitted for public discussion, which was not done in this case.
"What would bother anyone if the Parliament and the Government, that is, to communicate and jointly prepare acts? Is that abnormal? The parliamentary procedures were all followed, essentially the Ministry of Finance prepared an opinion, not a law, and it was some misunderstanding and that linguistic the wording was unfortunate," he added and pointed out that they did not bypass the public debate.
He emphasized that he is satisfied with the cooperation with the Assembly, that some things could go a little faster, but that they understand the procedures. When asked if the President of the State, Jakov Milatović, complicates legal solutions, he pointed out that yes
"We are completely amazed by the reactions of Milatović, by the return of some of the laws that are indisputable to everyone and will have some considerable consequences and put us in a position where we have to see if we will be able to start the school year on time. Completely unnecessary, I think it is solely on in the background of attracting media attention or some upcoming campaign, so that is incomprehensible to us and we call on the president not to obstruct the work", said Spajić and called on Milatović to be more up-to-date.
He added that the French "EDF" is interested in buying Montenegrin electricity and selling it in Italy, because the kilowatt-hour is the most expensive in the south of Italy.
Asked about the amendments to the Law on State Property, which the Assembly did not adopt last week, he emphasized that it is in the interest of Montenegro to give the opportunity to invest to everyone with a long-term vision, not just tourist resorts.
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Spovode i model iz Singapore
Spajić pointed out that the Prime Minister of Singapore told him the three steps through which that country came from the poorest to one of the richest.
"There are three key measures that the state must implement, they must start immediately and some of them, the effects will be visible in the short term, medium term and for some in the long term - that is, in two, three years, in five, six, then in 10 years" , he explained.
Spajić stated that short-term reforms are those related to tax policy. Singapore's economic model was focused on people because they had to import water, electricity and other resources, and the focus of this Government is the same, so people are our primary resource.
"In October of this year, the tax burden on people and work will be 16,2 percent for the average salary," he explained, adding that it is by far the lowest burden in Europe.
He emphasized that investment in infrastructure is another, or medium-term, measure. He pointed out that access to Podgorica is crucial for every municipality in Montenegro, as well as their mutual connection.
"These are 18 sections of highways and expressways that we plan to build. Highways are not built 100 times, they are built only once. Germany is Germany because of its infrastructural connections and its strategic location," said Spajić and pointed out that Montenegro behaves as if it does not have a similar market and position.
He stated that after the completion of the expressways, citizens will get from Podgorica to Andrijevica in 38 minutes, from the capital to Beran in 45 minutes, to BIjelo Polje in about an hour, and it will take the same time to get to Rožaj.
"Podgorica-Nikšić will take 30 minutes, Podgorica-Žabljak will take about an hour, Pdogorica-Budva will take about half an hour, Podgorica-Herceg Novi will take about 50 minutes, Podgorica-Belgrade will take three hours by highway..." he pointed out. he added that it will take two and a half hours to get to Sarajevo, and an hour and a half to Pristina.
He pointed out that the long-term measure is the focus on education, and that investment in that sector gives results in the long run, i.e. in 15 years. He pointed out that 100 million euros have been provided for the development of education through the Growth Plan, and that they are trying to leave out part of the infrastructure through the Western Balkan Investment Framework (WBIF), in order to release up to 200 million euros for education.
"This year, the reconstruction of 57 kindergartens and schools, the introduction of robotics in elementary schools, and we want children to be competitive. We want children to be competitors, and through this great plan, that will be achieved," he pointed out.
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