Spajić: “Euro model” is sustainable — it was built by a winning team

PODGORICA – Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said on the “Okvir” TV show that the “Euro model” is sustainable and that every analysis carried out so far has proven it, as Radio Bijelo Polje reports.

He said he understands the finance minister’s statement asking for more time on the final stance, given how many sectors the model affects, but stressed he sees the program as an investment in the future of Montenegro and all its citizens.

According to Spajić, the reform has been prepared for a very long time and the right moment to implement it is now, as Montenegro is on the verge of closing all negotiating chapters with the European Union. He cited Croatia as an example, where the exodus of the population stopped when the average net salary reached 1,400 euros.

The prime minister stressed the model follows the same direction as the “Europe Now 1” and “Europe Now 2” programs and that since 2020 he has been telling the same story: all implemented programs turned out sustainable, and there will be no layoffs or business closures.

Asked by economists why the most stable revenues — contributions — are being abandoned in favor of excises, VAT and customs, Spajić answered with a rhetorical question: if 150,000 working-age people leave, where is that stability? That, he said, is why this is the last moment for such a reform.

He added that the model has been sent to European partners, but fiscal policy is not the European Commission’s field, and that the government is open to analyses and recommendations. Spajić also noted the finance minister was familiar with the program and that it is normal for ministers not to always vote in the government’s telephone sessions, as those are irregular and members don’t see the message in time.