The Minister of Economic Development, Jakov Milatović, said in Colors of the Morning on TV Vijesta that it is not true that the borders remained open because of the elections in Nikšić.
He said that the complete lockdown affects the younger, able-bodied population, which has consequences for the future.
"The problem here is not only medical, but economic. An intergenerational problem - a large number of people who die from corona are older, they need to be protected. We had two difficult meetings in the Government last week where we discussed these topics. As I said, really is a complex situation and it was decided to go for stricter compliance with the measures. Non-compliance with the measures is at a high level," Milatović pointed out.
He added that Montenegro relies on the countries of the region, tourism and services.
An attempt was also made, as he said, to speed up the winter season, which was partially successful.
"When you say closing borders in the EU, you mean closing external borders, I wouldn't compare those things," said Milatović.
He said that the situation with the coronavirus is difficult, both medically and economically.
According to him, the results of the decision made last week will be more visible in the coming period.
As he adds, representatives of the Institute for Public Health (IJZ) are naturally supporters of the strictest measures.
"The Minister of Health is trying to find a slightly milder measure in the context of the situation. We all look at things in the best possible way," said Milatović.
He said that Montenegro has learned something in the lockdown.
As he says, due to the additional lockdown, a part of the economy will not survive.
"When it comes to budget support, we can be patient right now. Our economy is quite exhausted. Due to the additional lockdown, a part of our economy will not survive. Our economic base is decreasing, unemployment is increasing," Milatović stressed.
He also said that changing behavior and complying with measures is key to solving the problem in the long term.
"A complete lockdown means reducing the pressure on the medical sector at one point. In some situations, a total lockdown is also good from an economic point of view," he said.
Milatović hopes that by June 15, Montenegro will have 75 percent of the population who have either been infected with Covid or have been vaccinated, which, he believes, will be good for tourism.
When asked what about tourists who are now booking vacations, Milatović said that guests do not plan their trips half a year in advance.
"Complete tourist traffic will take place on the basis of decisions made by citizens at the last moment," he said.
According to him, additional economic capital is necessary for the economy.
"We are working on ways to provide additional support to the Investment and Development Fund (IDF) from abroad, so that the IDF can then support the small economy," said Milatović.
Bonus video:
