Published was the authorial text of the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Mr. Igor Lukšić PhD., in the daily newspapers “Vijesti” and on the Deputy Prime Minister’s Blog

“While we are enjoying the success of our basketball national teams (as well as of other Montenegrin sportsmen), this new type of patriotism that is starting to develop fast in our country is very fulfilling. I believe that it is a shared feeling among increasing number of our citizens (regardless of their affiliation during the referendum campaign). It seems to me that sport is one of the best bridges that unites social contradictions, as well as political, generation, and ideological ones. It also combines in the best possible manner the wish to compete and the moral system. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to reconsider our strategic sports-related commitments as soon as possible. There is no doubt that Montenegrin men and women (the words “citoyen et citoyenne” that remind of the legacy of the French Revolution could slowly fade away bearing in mind that we have finally become aware that in accordance with international standards and from the national point of view we are all citizens of Montenegro, while every person has the right to ethnically belong to another category) are very talented for sports. However, it should be borne in mind that financing of sports is often related to economic capacities, especially during the time of economic crisis. Due to this reason, I believe that the State has several obligations: investments in infrastructure – football playgrounds, sports halls, swimming pools…then providing funds for the functioning of sports associations primarily in order to have competitive games of national teams, and further support to the sport development, especially of younger national teams. Investments in infrastructure are a logical choice - there is no doubt about it –as proved by good results achieved in the previous period, and this will be continued. Funds for sports associations are logical choice, and it sounds reasonable to me to give priority to sports that have recorded significant results, such as water polo, basketball, handball, especially women’s handball, and volley ball, bearing in mind talented younger teams. Country that is competitive in at least one sport is a rich country, and our wealth in that respect is great...“.