Prime Minister's Office: Failure to adopt the 2025 Budget threatens increased pension payments, implementation of capital projects, and repayment of old debts

The adoption of the 2025 budget is crucial for the payment of increased pensions, the implementation of capital projects, the implementation of European and other reforms aimed at improving the citizens' standard of living and the country’s economic development.

A potential parliamentary blockade and temporary financing would mean that the Ministry of Finance would grant all budget users the same monthly amount as in the previous year. This would prevent the pension increase under the "Europe Now 2" programme, as well as the proportional pension increases, starting in January 2025.

In the event that the 2025 budget is not passed by the end of this year, it would also hinder the realization of new capital projects scheduled to begin in 2025.

At the same time, temporary financing would jeopardize the implementation of obligations planned under the Reform Agenda – the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. This means that by failing to adopt the 2025 budget by the end of December 2024, Montenegro would lose the necessary funds to carry out reforms along its European path.

The failure to adopt the 2025 budget would also prevent the country from borrowing to repay old debts. In that case, the state would be unable to meet obligations amounting to around €800 million to domestic and international creditors, due for payment. This would jeopardize Montenegro's credit rating, potentially leading to a downgrade.

Furthermore, liquidity would be at risk, as the state’s deposits would only cover obligations until March 2025, given the repayment schedule of old debts.

We call on all members of parliament to end the blockades and obstructions of institutions and focus on activities that contribute to improving citizens' standards, the rule of law, and the acceleration of the country's European integration.