"The results achieved by the Government in the previous year are spectacular and beyond all expectations".
Prime Minister Dritan Abazović announced this today in Podgorica, at the presentation of the Government's performance in the last year.
"The government worked in sixth gear all 365 days," he said.
The Prime Minister said that the results of his cabinet show that there is no question of the bankruptcy of the state.
He stated that the gross domestic product (GDP) in Montenegro in 2022 amounted to a record 5,8 billion euros, that unemployment has decreased, that the minimum wage of 450 euros is "by far the highest in the region", which, as added, the case with an average salary of 771 euros, which was the amount for February.
He said that all companies in the country achieved record good results last year.
Speaking further about the economic results, he reminded that Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) took over the management of the Nikšić Railway Company, that the state took over the management of the Kamenari-Lepetane ferry line, that the state's ownership in the ownership structure of the Port of Bar was increased...
"From today, ticket fees will be charged on the Kamenari - Lepetane ferry line. Also, the state's goal is to complete ownership of Port Bar, and this is Montenegro's biggest development opportunity. It should enable the construction of the highway to Serbia and the improvement of the railway. The Port of Budva was handed over to Budva...", Abazović stated, among other things.
Speaking about the infrastructural projects whose implementation is underway, the Prime Minister announced that the Kotor-Lovćen cable car will be "especially spectacular".
"I claim that this will be the most prestigious facility in tourism. Whoever goes to Lovćen, will forever carry beautiful memories from Montenegro," Abazović added.
Hotels will be built on the coast
He stated that after 40 years, new health facilities are being built, that conditions have been created for the construction of 33 new infrastructure facilities, among which is the bridge on Ada Bojana that will connect Montenegro and Albania, the airport in Berane...
"For Pljevlja, the best project was signed for four compatible businesses related to the Pljevlja Thermoelectric Power Plant, solving pollution and generating new jobs. In Bijelo Polje, consent has already been given for the construction of a solar power plant with a huge capacity, in Kolašin, as soon as the highway opens, there will be no no problem regarding development, they expect high-category hotels, and that this generates a large part of the tourist product. We decided to connect Kolašin, Mojkovac and Bijelo Polje by the next winter season - if not then, during the next year - by cable car. Nikšić got Željezara and Beluga, but there are more serious plans. In Savnik, there are conditions for the construction of energy facilities," said Abazović.
On the coast, he said, hotels Jadran, Mediteran, Otrant and Galeb will be built in Ulcinj, Hyatt and Mariott in Kotor, Rodos in Perast, Bigova Bay in Kotor...
Abazović said that even the biggest pessimists no longer dispute that the upcoming tourist season will be a record one.
"Four- or five-star hotels have been full since February, and will remain so until October," he said.
The Prime Minister reminded that pensioners received one-time assistance, that student loans were increased for students, that allowances for newborns were provided...
He boasted that electricity prices did not decrease, and that the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) achieved an income of over 180 million euros in three months of this year.
Abazović also reminded that excise taxes on fuel were limited, that the Government launched the "Stop Inflation" project, and that the price margins of basic foodstuffs were limited.
"We have historic investments in sports as well, and awards and medals have come. We have had record allocations for innovation and science. Innovators are partners of the Government when it comes to the space program, the IT sector, there is a project for fires... Big allocations for them are a way for young people to assert themselves... The agricultural budget is the largest in the history of Montenegro. There was no lack of support for the media either, we will try to additionally help the print media," underlined the Prime Minister.
The results in the fight against crime speak for themselves
Abazović said that the results of the fight against crime speak for themselves, and that they will continue to speak.
"EUROPOL made it possible for historical processes to take place here. I'm sorry that the bill on the confiscation of the proceeds of crime did not pass. I have nothing against other models, but this is how it was made possible for a tool that we could have put into operation immediately - we don't have it. Only in the last cases related to EUROPOL, the state would have profited between five and seven million euros. In the last actions, we were able to get property, which would help socially vulnerable institutions..." he pointed out.
The Prime Minister stated that there are no more "monopolies and racketeering", that there was a "breakdown of monopolies, political ties, people involved in smuggling".
"No country in Europe has had record seizures like Montenegro. People from the judicial and prosecutorial authorities have been prosecuted, and even more will be prosecuted in the future. The situation is also clear when it comes to the exploitation of gravel, forests and poaching. Let no one think that the focus is diverted from that," said Abazović.
He is honored to have signed the Basic Agreement
The Prime Minister said, among other things, that over 60 legal solutions have been adopted or are being prepared.
He emphasized that he was honored and pleased to have signed the Basic Agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC).
"The signing of the Basic Agreement opened a new historical page in Montenegro. It is an honor and a pleasure for me to be given the opportunity to do so. It is time to make peace," he emphasized.
Speaking about regional relations, he said that Montenegro has excellent relations with all neighboring countries.
"A joint session of the governments of Montenegro and Albania was held. Many things were done regarding the EU. That should be our focus, to get a 'fast track'. When it comes to NATO, Montenegro is not in any member does not have to move on the issue of Ukraine. We are here for our partners, we gave as much as possible. We also sent rescuers to Turkey. This is only part of the matter. I am very proud and grateful to everyone," he said, adding that he guarantees that by 2030, Montenegro will be "the most desirable place to live not only in the region, but in Southeast Europe."
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