President's Office: Political parties to get 75 percent raise, pensioners to get 0,38 percent

Olivera Vukajlović, advisor to the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović for sustainable development, told "Vijesti" that the adjustment of pensions by 0,38 percent shows how far the current pension system is from the needs of the people who built the state.

"Pensioners must not be collateral damage of economic policies and budgetary priorities that are not sufficiently geared towards their needs. An increase in pensions of only 0,38 percent, or less than two euros, clearly shows how far the current system is from the real needs of the people who have built this country for decades. This increase is the result of regular legal adjustment to wage growth, but due to the weak growth of wages, it cannot keep up with the increase in the cost of living. When we take into account inflation and the changes brought about by the "Europe Now 2" program, it is clear that pensions should primarily be adjusted to the real increase in prices, which would mean a significantly larger increase at this point," said Vukajlović.

She pointed out that the economic slowdown, especially in tourism, is further limiting wage growth, as increases in VAT and excise duties reduce competitiveness and room for wage increases.

"Without wage growth, there is no sustainable growth in pensions. At the same time, budget priorities send the wrong message. The government must not allow allocations to political parties to increase by 75 percent, from 8 to 14 million euros, while pensions for pensioners are increased by only 0,38 percent. A responsible and development-oriented policy is needed, based on strengthening the economy and a fairer distribution of public funds. Only in this way can future pension increases be real and worthy of people who have worked their entire lives and contributed to the development of this country," Vukajlović stated.