https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=5_LVTVOAYi4&feature=emb_logo
Although still very little is known about the coronavirus, it is a pleasure to state that healthcare system in Montenegro has gone through the first phase of the fight successfully. That phase is the most important and the most difficult one, said Montenegro’s president, Mr Milo Đukanović, during press conference held on the occasion of marking two years since he took over his presidential duties.
“We know that every death is a huge loss but still, I think we can all agree, that our country has achieved great results: a total of 324 registered cases accounts for 0,005% of the overall population, 311 recovered cases, nine deaths and four patients who are almost recovered. That’s the balance that gives reasons for satisfaction. Still with precaution, until we are able to declare the end of this fight in Montenegro”, president said.
He says it wouldn’t be too soon to state that entire Montenegrin society has demonstrated some new features in this new experience.
“Primarily, a great level of social responsibility. Great level of organization, commitment and competence of the entire healthcare system in Montenegro”, Mr Đukanović points out.
All institutions have shown serious progress in terms of functionality, great sacrifice, courage and responsibility.
Economic policy
Key messages and priorities presented in the inauguration speech delivered on 20 May 2018 still apply.
“Achieving European quality of life is naturally our most important state objective. Montenegro continues its tempo towards the desired direction”, president said.
“We have made considerable progress despite paralyzing pandemic shocks, despite the crisis. If we could do that now, then we must not lack self-esteem and optimism for our own future. Many projects can corroborate this”, President said.
The most precious development opportunities are just starting to be valued. After the completion of the most important highway section, full effects of this capital project will come into light.
Several electricity production projects are also very important. Food production, president says, is becoming a very inspiring business in Montenegro.
“We have great foundations for the development of manufacturing aluminum and wood-based industry”, president said.
In his opinion, prerequisite for everything is agile and comprehensive country’s response to the next phase of the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
“Forecasts of the relevant international organizations regarding the depth of the possible fall of global economy in 2020 are scary. However, haven’t we already proven that we can do better than ominous forecasts? Yes, we have. We just need to hang on. Not a single day until the end of 202 should be wasted”, Mr Đukanović said.
Of course, he adds, this crisis is a good motive for ignorant and evil politically-motivated statements: can Montenegro do it alone? Is security greater in partnership with Europe or in Euro-Asian brotherhood? Are liberal economy and democracy right concept to choose? Have we gone too far with the development of tourism and services?
“All these dilemmas have one common shortcoming. Crises don’t last forever. We can’t judge past and we can’t project future. Otherwise, we might think that state of emergency is the best environment for settling all social problems”, Mr Đukanović says.
Before our formal independence, we defined strategy of the Europeanization of Montenegro as way to return our society to the European civilization circle.
“And when market economy and democracy reach stalemate in dealing with the challenges of the accelerated development. I t is clear we won’t find answer in state economy and authoritarian models of state administration. Every crisis teaches clever people and societies some lessons. Aren’t we proud of our freedom, stability, democracy, multi-ethnicity, standard? We haven’t gone too far with the development f tourism. In fact, we have just begun and we are going to step up the tempo”, Mr Đukanović said.
Stability is the greatest challenge for the WB societies
The question of the strategic choice of the future of our region is conditioned with two main circumstances: the clarity of the vision of each of the WB countries that they want to be part of the European system and that there’s will and capacity for the implementation of reforms in that context.
Montenegro has been great example and a pointer for years.
“Owing to clear vision and dogged determination to overcome serious obstacles and resist false alternatives. And because we are united in knowing that the basic cause of staying behind the developed neighborhood is the historically-rooted instability. Therefore, anyone who is intrigued, will know why average salary in the region barely surpasses €500 while it is four times higher in Europe. It is also very clear what is that we need to provide if we really want to reach European quality of life in near future”, Mr Đukanović said.
Challenges are numerous. Both national and international. The most difficult internal challenge is how to overcome the accumulated awareness which is resisting the new and the unknown.
“Unprepared to meet the unknown and become capable of becoming competent for the United Europe market. That’s why status quo is the best choice. It is better to stick to the familiar inconvenience, than to look for the unknown chances. International challenge is, unfortunately, the fact that the Balkan region is still the battlefield of political domination of the greats. Currently – the battlefield of the fight against the spread of the influence of NATO and the EU by offering alternatives that don’t even exist. We are not just geographical part of Europe. We are part of the cultural and civilization European circle”, Mr Đukanović pointed out.
It is clear that alliances which haven’t got same system of values in their bases can’t be our alternative. The EU and NATO are communities of identical values.
That’s why Montenegro carefully creates its policy of reinforcing stability.
“Overcoming certain divisions takes time. Emancipation is the process that requires persistence and careful management. However, taking account of the inherited differences and careful management of necessary changes does not imply unsteadiness and giving up before the resistances of the Europeanization of Montenegrin society”, Mr Đukanović said.
Montenegro didn’t make a hasty choice
“Is Montenegro able to establish rule of law which is not just an imperative for the European integration but also for the normal and civilized life in our country? Or are there some subjects which claim some exclusive rights, such as Serbian Orthodox Church, to take over Montenegro and determine its character and future development? To be more precise, is Montenegro democratic multi-ethnic society or is it medieval, theocratic, Serbian societies, as we are being taught by church dignitaries? Does Montenegro belong to Europe? And logically, should Montenegro exist at all, considering it has made so many “wrong” choices over the past 14 years, or somebody else should make decisions instead of Montenegro? “, president asked.
His reply is clear.
“Montenegro’s choices were not hasty. Our choice is independence and sovereignty. Multi-ethnicity. European system of values. Our choice is NATO as guarantee of stability. Our choice is protection of human rights and freedoms, including freedom of religion as long as every religious community is equal to one another. And our choice forever is anti-fascism as permanent vertical of Montenegrin duration”, Mr Đukanović said.
Montenegro will be the first new EU Member State
The messages Montenegro receives from the EU are encouraging.
“Clear confirmation of the European perspective of the region, negotiation talks with North Macedonia and Albania, financial support in fight against coronavirus pandemic, announcement of the new strategic Investment framework for WB are convincing stimulants for the renewal of the European enthusiasm in this part of our continent. It is essential that we now do our part the best we can. I would like to take this opportunity and congratulate Montenegrin citizens 21 May- the Independence Day. The day we brought our state and national dignity back, repaid the debt to our ancestors and opened new, European perspective”, Mr Đukanović concluded.
