PM Marković calls on university to support strategic state policy of development of northern region

Podgorica, Montenegro (24 July 2017) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković called on earlier today in the Parliament the Governing Board of the University to implement the Government's decision to enrol students at the High Medical School in Berane, adding that if the University did not do it, the Government would finance student studies in Podgorica, if necessary. The Prime Minister presented a number of facts about the Government's support to the University, saying that, despite the fact, the Government was subject to fierce and unilateral attacks by the university's leadership exceeding all borders of good taste and argumentative debate.

Driving licenses for citizens of Montenegro in Germany

Ervin Ibrahimović, MP, asked the Prime Minister whether the Government initiated the process of recognising the Montenegrin driver licenses in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Answering this question, the Prime Minister stated that the foreign and interior ministries are continuously working to find out the possibility of signing a statement of intent on mutual recognition of driver licenses, as done by Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

PM Marković noted that the bilateral relations between Montenegrin and Germany gives him the right to believe that the issue of mutual recognition of driving licenses will be treated positively by the German side as well.

Government’s plans regarding activation of so-called Put Option

Vujica Lazović, MP, asked the Prime Minister about further plans of the Government when it comes to the so-called Put Option activated by Italian A2A - the current co-owner of the Electric Power Industry of Montenegro (EPCG).

Prime Minister Duško Marković reiterated that the activation of the Put Option is in line with the provisions of the Shareholders' Agreement of August 2016 started the process of selling shares of the Italian company in the amount of EUR 250 million, which can be paid in seven equal annual instalments.

"We are encouraged to know that the sale of shares by A2A, which was advertised during the first half of this year, sparked the interest of renowned energy companies. At the same time, we have confidence in the business attractiveness of the EPCG. That is why we will seek and find the best options available to us. Certainly, the final decision of the Government will be based exclusively on interests related to the further dynamic development of the energy sector," said Prime Minister Duško Marković answering the question of the Head of the Caucus of the Social Democrats and Liberal of Montenegro Vujica Lazović.

The Prime Minister said that the construction of the Block II of the Thermal Power Plant Pljevlja has not been brought into question.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT