President of the Government of Montenegro, Duško Marković, announced for 2019 the amendments of several tax laws, so that the state can fight grey economy more effectively. Except for the changes of the legislative framework, the PM says that we need the synergy of state institutions.
“The Government has to amend the laws in order to avoid excess tax administration and business barriers. That’s exactly what we are going to do next year. However, the best response to grey economy will be the synergy of state institutions in charge of this domain- inspections, police and State Prosecutor’s Office”, says Marković.
He says that the beginning of the Government was marked by a very complex political situation provoked by the unsuccessful attempt of destabilization in 2016.
“Political situation in Montenegro at the beginning of the 41st term of office was the most complex even in our more recent history. We managed to stop the terrorist attempt that could destroy everything we achieved ever since we regained independence. Then, the opposition’s activities after that were very immature and they pushed them into an unsuccessful boycott of the Parliament”, says Marković.
The PM speaks about the necessity of the dialogue among the institutions.
“The intention of my constant call for an open dialogue is to talk the opposition subjects out of their commitment to political ghettoisation, that, naturally, doesn’t contribute to the prosperity of the society and well-being of our citizens. So, I invite them because only within the institutions can we protect our citizens’ interests. Besides, every boycott destroys political system and democracy”, said the PM.
Asked what can’t be discussed through dialogue he says: “That’s clear – there can’t be compromise over the state and the questions relevant to the interest of all citizens”.
“We have traced the development directions aimed at European quality of life. The data I’ve just mentioned indicate the attitude of the majority of the public. Every possibility for arriving at compromise with those who think otherwise or want something that’s against the interests of Montenegro is excluded”, said the PM.
For effective fight against grey economy, we need capable administration and readiness of business people to pay full taxes.
“As far as the grey economy is concerned, we can talk about estimates only, not exact percentage. What’s more important than that is how to tackle it. We need synergy within the institutions. What best illustrates the problem is the fact that there are around 9.000 companies in Montenegro that have only one employee. That’s not the real picture of their needs. Imagine that one more employee works in those 9.000 companies. That would mean 9.000 jobs and 9.000 less unemployed people”, said Marković.
He points out that Montenegro has experienced a “boom” in tourism.
“Not only in tourism, but in other sectors of our economy as well. However, the conditions of our infrastructure are limiting factor. Therefore, investing in infrastructure and bringing it to a higher level has no alternative. In that context, urgent development and valorization of airports is a must since almost two thirds of those who come to Montenegro use our Airports. Do we need any further elaboration?”, says Marković.
He also commented on the speculations regarding political disagreements between Milo Đukanović and himself.
“Such speculations are as old as the misapprehension of our political opposition about the crash of the DPS. Meanwhile, the power of DPS is growing and the Government is achieving great results”, says Marković.
