A single-digit unemployment rate would mean a lot for Montenegro—if it reflected the real situation, said Marina Medojević, president of the Food Bank. She added that Monstat’s data either shows an unrealistic number of employed people or a significant portion of salaries are paid “under the table.”
Medojević noted that at the end of last year, Monstat recorded 257,390 employed persons, while only about 191,640 received salaries for December. This discrepancy suggests either an inflated employment figure or that over 66,000 workers are paid unofficially, without contributions or taxes, or are registered as employees only on paper.
“Young people avoid registering with the Employment Office because they don’t see employment opportunities unless it’s in trade, hospitality, or cleaning services,” Medojević said in a statement.
She added that Montenegro has educated individuals who have legitimately earned their diplomas but cannot find secure jobs in their fields unless they are members of ruling political parties. Medojević emphasized that, as for decades, the purpose of registering with the Employment Office is lost.
“Young and middle-aged people leave the country because they can earn much higher wages doing manual labor abroad. Those lucky enough to find jobs in their profession do so far from their ancestral homeland, which partly explains the lower unemployment figures,” she said.
According to Medojević, people who have been unemployed for decades due to political reasons or who worked without being officially insured are now around retirement age—over 60 years old—and lack motivation to register with the Employment Office.
“Unlike EU countries we aspire to join, Montenegro provides no unemployment benefits except for former employees of failed companies during the transition period. Long-term unemployed registered with the Employment Office do not receive any benefits like free electricity, utilities, or transportation unless they are social assistance recipients,” she explained.
In Croatia, for example, people aged 60 and over are removed from employment records because they are considered unemployable. However, they receive state compensation, certain benefits, and lifelong support.
“When will we understand that politicians’ responsibility lies in respecting citizens’ rights and providing for them—not in enjoying privileges?” Medojević asked.
She concluded by saying that a country is only as strong as its weakest link and questioned when the most vulnerable citizens who do not receive their constitutionally guaranteed rights will become a political priority.
“Politicians promise rights and justice before elections, but until then, we watch them momentarily come down to earth in our Montenegro,” Medojević said.
