Pensioners in Montenegro Seek Dialogue for Increased Benefits

Pensioners in Montenegro are advocating for a meeting with Finance Minister Novica Vuković to discuss potential solutions for improving their financial situation. Leaders from the pensioners’ union express confidence that dialogue will lead to meaningful outcomes. While awaiting the meeting, they have announced a temporary halt to any planned actions, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive response from the government for the approximately 80,000 pensioners in the country.

Krsto Radusinović, Vice President of the Pensioners’ Union of Montenegro and President of the Podgorica Pensioners’ Association, confirmed this position in a statement to Pobjeda. He mentioned that their request for a meeting with the Prime Minister was redirected to the Minister of Finance, which they have complied with. “We are now waiting for our meeting with Minister Vuković and expect him to understand the issues we present,” Radusinović stated. He believes it is crucial to personally address the problems and proposals during this discussion.

The Pensioners’ Union has made it clear that no further measures will be taken until they can present their concerns directly to the minister. Radusinović highlighted that their aim is to ensure that the voices of the pensioners—many of whom rely on minimal pensions—are adequately represented in discussions about their financial well-being. “We believe that reason will prevail, and that solutions will not be made hastily without serious analysis and consultation with those directly affected,” he added.

Radusinović pointed out that previous administrations have demonstrated the feasibility of increasing pensions when there is political will. He referenced instances during the government of Dritan Abazović, where additional pension increases were implemented alongside regular adjustments. “When there is a desire, funds can be secured. We do not seek anything impossible; rather, we seek recognition of the reality in which pensioners live,” he explained.

He argued that the financial resources requested would not impose an unsustainable burden on the national budget. “Funds are available for various needs, and we believe there should also be resources allocated for pensioners. When increases are discussed in other sectors, funding is found. We do not ask for privileges, but for a dignified life for those who have contributed throughout their working lives,” Radusinović emphasized.

Furthermore, he indicated that any additional funds could enhance the operations of the local pensioners’ associations, of which there are 277 across Montenegro. “Such funding would improve the functioning of these systems, support activities, and assist the most vulnerable members of society. When distributed appropriately, these amounts are not enormous, but they mean a lot to pensioners,” he stated.

Radusinović made a crucial distinction regarding pension adjustments, asserting that pensioners do not merely seek regular indexing but rather a tangible increase in their benefits. “These are two separate matters. Indexing is a routine calculation based on the current formula, but we are asking for a real increase in pensions. The minimum pension is around 450 euros, which is insufficient for a dignified life. This amount barely covers basic expenses, from food to medication,” he said.

He also highlighted the long-standing issue of many pensioners receiving minimal pensions for years, with approximately 70,000 individuals previously falling into this category. While subsequent increases have reduced this number, these changes were still based on indexing formulas rather than substantial policy reform. “A systemic solution is necessary to permanently improve the status of pensioners,” Radusinović asserted.

The current pension indexing model has been criticized by Radusinović. “According to this formula, pensions are adjusted 75 percent based on price movements and 15 percent based on wage growth,” he noted. He proposed an alternative approach, suggesting that pensions should be set at a fixed ratio of 1:65 to the average wage. “We believe this would be fairer and enable more stable and realistic adjustments in line with economic developments,” he explained.

As local pensioners’ associations convene to discuss future actions, opinions vary regarding potential protests. Nonetheless, Radusinović reiterated a unified stance: priority must be given to dialogue with the Finance Minister. “There are members in favor of protests and those against, but our position is clear—first, we must hold a discussion. We do not want to take any measures until we present all our issues and proposals to the Finance Minister. We believe this is a correct and responsible approach,” he concluded.

Any decisions regarding future actions will be made after this crucial meeting. “If there is a lack of understanding and no significant progress following our discussion, we will consider our next steps. For now, our priority is dialogue. We do not want to skip steps or act impulsively. We expect to be heard and for our arguments to be taken seriously,” Radusinović stated.