- Government of Montenegro
PM Lukšić: Government has done good job, but we kn...
PM Lukšić: Government has done good job, but we know more needs to be done
• Montenegro is in the final stage of EU integration, a step away from NATO membership, joined WTO
• Montenegro has the lowest crime rate in Europe
• Montenegro maintains lowest VAT rate in region, public debt at 48% remains within Maastricht criteria
Podgorica, Montenegro (26 July 2012) – Addressing the regular bi-annual press conference held in Podgorica earlier today, Prime Minister Igor Lukšić underlined that in the past year and a half of its mandate the Government has been very successful, but is also aware that more can and has to be done. In answering a journalist’s question following the statement, he said that although very satisfied with what has been achieved, if he were to assess his government’s work, it would be a strong B, underlining that constant improvement is needed.
Integration
Prime Minister Lukšić noted that in 2012 Montenegro has entered the final stage of the EU integration by opening accession negotiations, stands a step away from NATO membership, and has become a member of the World Trade Organisation, concluding that the integration agenda has been successfully pursued. He stressed the importance of the whole of society's efforts in achieving these goals.
The Prime Minister noted that in cooperation with the Parliament and the civil society, concrete results have been made in the areas of rule of law, judicial reform, human rights, reform of election system, public administration reform, and media freedom.
He particularly underlined the success in the area of fight against crime, noting that Montenegro has the lowest crime rate in Europe and the downward trend continues.
Economy
In discussing the government’s efforts to boost economy, the PM remarked that in the period 2004–2011 the GDP has doubled and the unemployment rate has been cut in half. In the four-year period, he continued, the government cut public consumption by more than EUR 380 million, without any delays in welfare payments, regardless of the financial crisis.
The PM noted that compared to 2006, average net salaries and pensions doubled. “Even in the times of crises we have increased net salaries by 4.5% and pensions by 17%.”
“We have not increased taxes and we have the lowest VAT rate in the region, while only 3 countries in Europe have lower VAT rates than Montenegro,” PM Lukšić stressed.
He particularly discussed the public debt: “The public debt remains within the Maastricht criteria (at 48%) and is almost twice lower than the average public debt in EU countries. This speaks of the stability of the Montenegrin economy.”
The PM underlined the importance for the country’s economy of the Turkish investor Toscelik’s acquisition of the steel plant Željezara Nikšić and their plans to invest EUR 35 million and achieve a production of up to 400 000 tons a year, open new jobs and provide the highest environmental protection standards.