Professor Srđan Bogosavljević, member of the Administrative Board of Ipsos Adria, renowned international agency, says that research shows that most Montenegro’s citizens support EU membership and that trust in the EU is stable.
“Montenegro is a very specific and unique state, in terms of its natural and historical heritage. We come across different combinations of “déjà vu” in the public opinion, although “yes, we are special” attitude is widespread. However, despite such an attitude, the truth is that pro-European mood in Montenegro is very stable.
Depending on the political commitment, closeness or remoteness from government or opposition, citizens tend to perceive reality in Montenegro differently. You explore so many topics in your research, but could you single out some indicator that provides the widest picture, some sort of general assessment of the state of affairs in Montenegro?
Professor Bogosavljević There’s one question that stands out in the long tradition of public opinion research, the question that measures general mood – “What direction is the state moving in”?
If there are more of those who say that it is going in wrong direction, changes are desirable, the government finds it hard to counter opposition and it comes to power pretty easily.
But if there are just slightly more of those who think that things are going wrong, the government can be changed by offering some political alternative. The more people think the state is going right way, the more stable the government.
Judging by this indicator, government in Montenegro is stable.
What problems citizens of Montenegro are usually affected by?
Professor Bogosavljević: There’s a great number of questions dealing with it. Personally, I like when citizens aren’t offered a list of problems they should rank, I’d rather they make a list of problems they believe would be very important for Montenegro if solved.
Unemployment is number one problem. Number two – low standard. Crime, corruption etc. come next.
Interestingly, the two most important problems have opposite trends. In November 2013, aro9und 65% of citizens mentioned unemployment as the most serious problem. Now, it’s 45%. Number of those stating standard and salaries as main problem has increased from 15 to 28%. The explanation is simple – when you don’t have a job you don’t think about the salary. But only until you get the job.
The same political structure has been in power for so long. There are some prominent and famous people in the opposition, but none of them has managed to oust this government. What is the relation between the forces now?
Professor Bogosavljević: That’s one of Montenegro’s characteristics – the same governing structure in power. When we make assessments of individuals, there are many of those who are appreciated by citizens. When we want to find out who the person who enjoys greatest trust is – Mr Milo Đukanović has no competition. When it comes to parties- the same. Many opposition parties are visible but they oscillate.
DPS has stable and loyal electorate, and individually, it’s the strongest party and very hard to shake. DPS has been very stable, with high percentage of voter’s loyalty, ranging from 37 and 41%.
