What we warned about is definitely true today. Neither the Europe Now 1 nor the Europe Now 2 program can be implemented without borrowing and new taxes, said Nikola Milović, a member of parliament from the Democratic Party of Socialists.
At a press conference held on the occasion of the new debt that the Parliament will discuss today, he said that public finances are on the verge of collapse amid bad politics.
"You saw that Montenegro will borrow three and a half billion euros. Our question to the minister is whether Montenegro is threatened with bankruptcy. An economic policy based on debt threatens to lead Montenegro into bankruptcy and lead to a decline in standards and quality of life," said Milović.
Social Democrat MP Boris Mugoša said that the parliamentary session will likely talk about "three decades and the August 30th majority."
"We call it the billboard economy. When they saw that they were missing 500 million in the budget due to the abolition of contributions, they started increasing taxes. They increased taxes in tourism, where we are the third country in Europe in terms of that figure," said Mugoša.
He gave the example of VAT on sports tickets, shows, carbonated drinks...
"The government would like to patch up the holes in this way, put pressure on prices. That is why from 2021 to 2024 the inflation rate is higher than in most eurozone countries. The decision on debt is important to them, not the budget, because they have created an economic model that does not increase the standard of living of citizens. Profits are increasing for the big guys, and it all comes down to debt. The foreign trade deficit is the largest in the last 15 years. Did they comment on that? But they told you fairy tales about monthly surpluses because they knew that these surpluses do not predict deficits that will come," Mugoša said.
He stated that the new government, since it came to power, has taken on two billion in debt, and with today's three, that's five.
"The same ones who are not doing anything to increase the economy are telling you fairy tales. You see what the prices of goods and services are in Montenegro and they motivate you to do ad hoc activities. That is your essence, that is your reality."
When asked by "Vijesti" whether those MPs who were not imposed measures will come to the debate and vote on the budget and other proposed laws, and if so - whether they will obstruct the vote, Milović replied that they will take a joint position as the opposition.
"The real economy has not been in the Government of Montenegro for a long time. As a result of completely poorly managed policies, we will advocate for the real economy and leave them to speak for themselves," said Milović.
When asked by TV Vijesti journalists, Mugoša said that after their press conference, the government rushed to say that they did not accept what was not written in the agreement, but also in related laws.
Mugoša added that many laws are related to the budget, such as the Growth Plan, and that their manipulation is that the opposition is preventing the Growth Plan, while the majority are actually bothered by the issues that the opposition is asking to be put aside until EU accession.
He added that they are bothered by the fact that they are waiting for the opinion of the Supreme Court, and that the majority is filling Judge Đuranović's position before the Supreme Court gives its opinion.
"We are interested in the development of Budva"
When asked by a TV Vijesti journalist whether he would support Jovanović for mayor of Budva, Milović said that he would stick to the budget, but that he would quickly inform the public about his views.
"What we are interested in is the development of the city of Budva, the projects that will be implemented, professionalization...", he pointed out.
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