Our warnings have materialized. Neither the Europe Now 1 nor the Europe Now 2 program can proceed without incurring debt or imposing new taxes, stated Nikola Milović, a Democratic Party of Socialists member of parliament.

During a press conference regarding the new debt that Parliament will address today, he expressed concerns that public finances are on the brink of collapse due to poor political leadership.

“Montenegro is set to borrow three and a half billion euros. We are questioning whether Montenegro faces the risk of bankruptcy. An economic policy centered around debt is at risk of driving Montenegro to bankruptcy and a decline in citizens’ standards of living,” Milović remarked.

Social Democrat MP Boris Mugoša noted that the upcoming parliamentary session will likely discuss “three decades and the August 30th majority.”

“We refer to it as a billboard economy. Upon realizing that the budget was short by 500 million due to the removal of contributions, they resorted to increasing taxes. They’ve raised taxes in tourism, where we rank third in Europe by that metric,” Mugoša explained.

He cited examples such as VAT on sports tickets, entertainment shows, and carbonated beverages.

“The government appears to be attempting to cover these gaps, putting further strain on prices. Consequently, the inflation rate from 2021 to 2024 has exceeded that of most eurozone countries. Their primary focus seems to be debt decisions rather than the budget, having devised an economic model that fails to elevate citizens’ living standards. While the profits are soaring for a select few, the overall scenario is sinking into debt. The trade deficit is at its highest in the past 15 years. Did they ever address that? Instead, they spun tales about monthly surpluses, fully aware that such surpluses do not forecast the deficits looming on the horizon,” Mugoša commented.

He pointed out that the new government has accumulated two billion in debt since taking office, and with today’s additional three billion, that totals five billion.

“The same individuals who are neglecting the economy are spinning tales. Just observe the prices of goods and services in Montenegro – it’s pushing you toward makeshift solutions. This is your reality and your essence,” he said.

When questioned by “Vijesti” about whether the MPs who were not subject to imposed measures would participate in the debate and vote on the budget and other proposed laws, and if they would obstruct the vote, Milović responded that they would adopt a collective stance as the opposition.

“The real economy has been absent from the Montenegrin Government for far too long. Due to poorly managed policies, we are committed to advocating for the real economy and allowing it to convey its own narrative,” Milović stated.

Responding to inquiries from TV Vijesti journalists, Mugoša mentioned that following their press conference, the government hastily claimed that they did not accept provisions not included in the agreement as well as in related laws.

Mugoša added that many laws relate to the budget, including the Growth Plan, and the manipulation lies in the narrative that the opposition is hindering the Growth Plan, while in fact, the majority is troubled by the opposition’s concerns which they wish to defer until EU accession.

He also noted that the delay in awaiting the Supreme Court’s opinion is causing frustrations as the majority hurriedly seeks to fill Judge Đuranović’s position before receiving any clarification from the Supreme Court.

“Our Focus is on the Development of Budva”

When asked by a TV Vijesti journalist if he would endorse Jovanović for mayor of Budva, Milović indicated that he would prioritize the budget while promptly sharing his views with the public.

“Our main concern is the growth of Budva, the projects that will be executed, and the push for professionalization,” he emphasized.

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