President of the Government, Mr Duško Marković, said today during the Prime Minister’s Hour session that average pension in Montenegro amounted to €289. The average pension in Montenegro is about €50 higher than in Macedonia, about €65 than in Serbia and between €80 and €100 higher from the average in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Compared to average pension in the region, only Slovenia and Croatia have better indicators.
“When talking about the amount of pensions, it’s clear that we want permanent improvement of the status of the oldest and most creditable members of the population”, pointed out Mr Marković.
He pointed out that pensions in Montenegro were regular and compared to average earnings, the average pension made up almost 57% of that amount.
Pensions should be increased
Mr Marković pointed out that pensions should definitely be higher. However, it’s important to do that in a sustainable way.
“Number of users of the Fund for Pension and Disability Insurance amounted to 130.000 at the end of the fist quarter of this year. Around 124.000 of the total number are pension users and less than 6.000 exercise other rights in the area. Old-age pensions make up 57% of the total number of pensions, disability pensions make up 18%, whereas family pensions account for 25%. Deficit of the Fund is financed regularly, as planned”, said Mr Marković.
It’s encouraging that this deficit depicts a downward trend thanks to Montenegrin economic growth.
Apartments for pensioners
Mr Marković added that the Government was constantly improving legislative and institutional framework.
“Every year, the Government provides additional funds for the pensioners with lowest pensions. We have been working on settling housing issues. Three residential buildings for pensioners have been constructed in Podgorica, two in Bijelo Polje and three in Nikšić”, pointed out Mr Marković.
More residential buildings are to be constructed in Cetinje, Pljevlja, Žabljak, Bar and Danilovgrad.
