PM Marković: Unemployment decreased as a result of Government's response to catastrophic policies carried out by previous Parliament's convocation

Podgorica, Montenegro (31 May 2017) -- According to the administrative data, the number of unemployed people decreased from 53 070 in April to 52 206 in May, which means that the unemployment rate is estimated at 22.5%, Prime Minister highlighted during the Questions to the Prime Minister session, which took place at the Parliament of Montenegro. The unemployment rate decreased for the first time as a result of the Government's response to the policies of the previous Parliament's convocation, PM Marković added.

PM Marković voiced satisfaction over the results related to the employment growth rate estimated at 4.2% in the first quarter of 2017, adding that the average number of employees in the first quarter of 2017 is approximately 178,318 persons, meaning that the number of employees is increased comparing to the previous year.

The adoption of new laws such as Labour Law and Law on employment and Rights on insurance from unemployment should contribute to the continuation of this positive trend, particularly when it comes to the higher labour market flexibility, PM Marković stressed. The Government is committed to implementing measures of an active employment policy, PM Marković explained, adding that the budgetary funds allocated for this policy are amounting EUR 2.8 million and EUR 6 million for the professional rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

When it comes to the economic policy, PM Marković underlined that the economic growth and dynamic development represent one of the Government's top priorities with an aim to creating new jobs and improving the quality of life of citizens.

The quality of life of citizens has significantly been improved since Montenegro restored its independence, PM Marković emphasised. According to the UNDP criteria measuring human development index, Montenegro was ranked 49 among 188 countries in 2015, which means that it has been placed among countries with a high level of index.

Concerning Montenegro's membership in NATO, PM Marković stressed that this foreign policy goal is in line with the Government's national priorities - creating preconditions for boosting economic growth and improving the quality of life of citizens.

Montenegro's membership in the Alliance, starting form 5 June, will encourage foreign investors to come and develop their business in the country which has legal and economic system similar to one they're coming from, PM Marković outlined. Therefore, Montenegro will continue making efforts in implementing structural reforms, strengthening fiscal consolidation and adopting key strategic decisions, PM Marković explained, adding that all of these activities are aimed at creating more competitive investment environment which will boost economic development and create new jobs.

Answering the question related to the capital infrastructural projects, PM Marković underlined that the projects are being implemented according to the planned dynamics. These projects will contribute to the development of the North as a new tourist region in the near future, PM Marković pointed out.

Speaking of the Government's incentives for development projects in the municipalities, PM Marković reiterated that the local self-governments generated financial support amounting to EUR 46.6 million within the Instrument for pre-accession support in 2007. He also explained that the Ministry of Finance is supposed to prepare amendments to the Law on local self-government financing by the end of the second quarter of 2017. This Law will create an opportunity for establishing a fund aimed at providing loans to the local self-governments engaged in implementing projects financed by the EU, PM Marković pointed out.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO