The deputies have finished their discussions on amendments to the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance, aimed at establishing a legal framework for raising modest pensions. A vote on the bill will take place at a later date.

During her initial statement, Mersida Aljićević, State Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care, and Demography, indicated that the proposed modifications are designed to enhance the social security of pensioners and to guarantee a dignified existence for those who depend on proportional pensions.

“The proposed amendments suggest introducing a measure that would allow for payments of the difference to those receiving proportional pensions, ensuring that their total income, when combined with pensions under international agreements, does not fall below 450 euros,” remarked Aljićević.

Notably, there were no opposition MPs present at today’s plenary session. Yesterday, Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić announced a suspension measure affecting certain opposition MPs for the upcoming 15 days of the session due to disruptions during a legislative meeting that was intended to discuss this year’s state treasury.

PES MP Jelenka Andrić expressed that the failure to pass this law would mean that pensioners would not receive the promised increase in the minimum pension to 450 euros, emphasizing that this adjustment would provide equity for the most vulnerable segment of the population.

“This measure will impact 2,500 individuals in our country and demonstrates our concern for those teetering on the edge of survival,” stated MP Andrić.

Mirsad Nurković (BS), the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, remarked that a significant issue affecting this group of pensioners would be addressed today, as they have a legal text aimed at balancing the minimum income for pensioners.

MP Jelena Kljajević (DNP) noted that this represents a step toward budget adoption, an important document, and expressed regret that the laws had not yet been passed because “the retrogressive opposition has prioritized obstructing parliamentary processes.”

“While I understand the opposition’s role, I do not endorse such disruptive actions. Their intentions seem aimed at undermining the social welfare of citizens. Pensioners are fundamental to our society and deserve all our support to ensure they can lead lives of dignity,” Kljajević concluded.

Using crime for political leverage.

Duško Stjepović (Democrats) asserted that after 50 days, it was time for Parliament to prioritize citizens’ interests and their pensions, rather than focusing on “the judges of the former regime.”

“Montenegro shouldn’t have to endure the last 45 days of turmoil, and its citizens should not bear the burdens of the past 30 years characterized by plundering and privatizations. The current parliamentary majority has worked diligently in the last two and a half years to enhance the living standards for its citizens,” Stjepović remarked.

He countered the opposition’s claims that 222 euros is greater than the 600 euros minimum wage, arguing that they prefer various levies and crisis taxes over current benefits such as child allowances, free textbooks, severance for workers, and increased benefits for newborns.

“Now they raise concerns about the security sector, whose leadership is embroiled in a criminal web, and they exploit the tragedies of individuals like Duško Jovanović, Slavoljub Šćekić, and others. We witnessed 719 murders during the DPS’s 30-year rule, and now they inappropriately leverage the tragedy in Cetinje for political gain. Using such crimes for political ends has never crossed our minds, especially considering a recent brutal murder in Herceg Novi,” Stjepović added.

Commending the ‘necessary marriage’ in Budva

Bogdan Božović (SNP) stated that the parliamentary majority had demonstrated responsible action and refrained from behaving like “those who forced MPs into vans.”

“We must advance for the benefit of our citizens, and our group supports this legal solution. This will rectify the injustice faced by those with proportional pensions, even if they are below the state minimum,” Božović commented.

He congratulated the “marriage of necessity” formed by the new coalition in Budva.

“This highlights that it is not party programs that are pivotal, but rather verbal commitments. The hypocrisy of the DPS’s criticism of minorities stands out, given that they partner with certain groups at the state level. This is a narrative lacking substance, concealing a hunger for power. They seem indifferent to their alliances, as long as they gain power,” Božović asserted.

5.5 million for pensions, yet 10 times more in a police officer’s account

Dejan Đurović (Nova) expressed apologies to all pensioners who did not receive their increased proportional pensions last month.

“We must be responsible in our approach. The disparity in pensions when compared to the higher income a police officer possesses—10 times more than what this adjustment for proportional pensions will cost the country annually—is concerning. This measure will account for 5.5 million, whereas a single police officer has more than sufficient funds set aside for proportional pensions for 10 years,” Đurović highlighted.

He continued, noting that this figure represents a fraction of the amount demanded by the son of the former prime minister and state president in various contracts, amidst ongoing protests across Montenegro.

“The new government has prioritized child allowances, free textbooks, salary increases, and severance pay. We have raised pensions and are now addressing proportional pensions,” Đurović concluded.

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