English

Marković: We have passed the most difficult exam

Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Mr Duško Marković, pointed out in the interview for Pobjeda that Montenegro had achieved a lot since the restoration of independence, but a lot more could have been done on internal plan.

After terrible fight, Montenegro is one step away from becoming coronavirus-free European country. How is that the country whose healthcare system was rated as the worst five years ago, becomes the first European country without coronavirus cases?

Mr Marković: It is really a great pleasure to talk about the results and the outcome of the fight against coronavirus epidemic that Montenegro has achieved. In mid March the entire world was in fear. Montenegro didn’t wait for the outbreak to respond. At the beginning of January we took steps, clear measures.

One of such measures was to close borders with six vulnerable countries before the pandemic was declared. Then we focused on the procurement of protective equipment. We mobilized the whole system, formed National Coordination body and dozens of other operational bodies… This, better than any rating list, shows that our healthcare system is worthy. It confirms that Montenegro has developed and capable institutions which serve to citizens and the country. All that in synergy, with clear vision, coordination and respect for hierarchy has led us to the status of corona-free country. Our citizens recognize that, foreign investors and foreign partners too. This is the time to use such reputation in tourism, economy and in further development.

Did you have fear that institutions might fail to function efficiently, that they won’t be at task level? Did you believe that citizens won’t be that disciplined? Will Montenegrin institutions be regarded differently after this?

Mr Marković: No, I had no fears about the functionality of institutions. Such doubts always come from those who are outside the system and look at things from distance. President of the Government is the address that best knows abilities and potential weaknesses in institutions. We have never really bothered with negative estimates as every next day would dismiss them. Citizens’ discipline is also conditioned by the credibility of institutions. Montenegro has passed an exam here – an important solidarity exam. Just remember the laundry list of citizens, companies and institutions which provided their assistance, donated, made their facilities ad complexes available for use, people from diaspora… These tough days saw togetherness and differences did not matter.

How true is unofficial information I have: trust in your Government has rocketed over the past three months to reach the highest point ever?

Mr Marković: Our citizens recognize efforts and results. They see our goal is clear and obvious: their health and their material position in the situation in which health and life are put in danger. Trust in institutions is the product of synergy and mutual respect. And I believe results you mentioned, 2/3 of citizens putting trust in the Government, reflect what we have achieved. The Government will remain committed to achieving its program goals.

Not everyone obeyed the instructions, though. If we go back a little, turns out that the institution that mostly defied measures of the NCB was Serbian Orthodox Church. Serbian Orthodox Church seems to be unable to accept the fact that Montenegro has its own legal system and order that has to be respected, is that so?

Mr Marković: Latest events have shown that Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro could have done more and helped more. We have been witnesses of a very specific relation of the SOC to the country and its institutions. Unfortunately, that relation of appropriating Montenegro and denial of its statehood and disrespect for its institutions has turned out to be senseless in this situation. Citizens should recognize intentions of all other structures which have been calling on violence and extremism. I firmly believe our citizens are aware of that. As for the second part of your question: Montenegro definitely has its legal order and its laws must be obeyed. These laws guarantee all religious communities, including Serbian Orthodox Church, necessary autonomy. And now we are coming to the misunderstanding point. Now I am asking you – would it be possible that state and institutions define one form of rules and church the other? And then church exempts some citizens from those rules. That’s an absurd.

Government has tried to mitigate devastating consequences of the coronavirus epidemic by adopting two sets of measures. There were some critics that it was not enough. You have announced the third package. What will be its essence?

Mr Marković: Critics are always welcome, but offered solutions must be real and sustainable. You know that I have never resorted to populist proposals. The first two sets of measures were adopted timely and aimed at sustainability of liquidity and employment. They had social mark, as the most adequate response to first phase of the crisis. The third package will be development-oriented. Development beats crisis. Montenegro has to focus on itself because we have seen we have knowledge and people who can produce more sustainable solutions.

What does that mean in fact?

Mr Marković: The structure of our future development must start shifting towards greater share of manufacturing industry, agricultural production and livestock, energy and digital society. Structure of domestic and foreign investment should go in step. The third package of measures will be focused on providing support for the branches of economy which will reach high level of productivity and reduce exposure of that country to macroeconomic trends, through investment in domestic production. In accordance with that, measures will be implemented through effective use of existing resources and great potential of the banking sector.

Many international institutions estimate that Montenegro will have the highest GDP fall as it relies on tourism. Does the Government think otherwise?

Mr Marković: Uncertainty is the biggest threat to the economic stability. And uncertainty is the main characteristic of the new crisis. I hope we will be able to show once again that reality is better than forecasts. Our projections are similar to the projections made by other institutions. However, we are focused on growth and development. We want to change direction in the economy and enhance production and export. Tourism isn’t our only source of profit.

Do you expect tourists this year?

Mr Marković: Definitely. Montenegro offers quality and, most importantly, safety! We have been safe destination for years. Peace has never been brought into question here. The same goes for the coronavirus situation. I believe our country has made one of the best responses in the fight and that tourists will recognize that.

Are you optimistic that Montenegrin economy will go up on its feet after the crisis? When do you expect the first signs of recovery?

Mr Marković: Relevant institutions agree that economic recovery is expected in 2021. Gradual and partial recovery and economic growth are expected in 2021, due to the expected recovery of tourism and other export sectors, growth in private and public expenditure…

Investments are driving force of the recovery and future development.

 

Send this to a friend