Cetinje protesters demand protection from rising costs and economic reforms

Pensioners, single mothers, persons with disabilities, and social welfare recipients gathered at Studentski Trg in Cetinje to protest rising living costs and proposed economic reforms in Montenegro. The demonstrators expressed urgent concerns regarding the impact of inflation on basic necessities, including food, utilities, and medicine.

Protesters specifically cited fears surrounding the announced reorganization of the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO Fund). Speakers at the gathering, including Žarko Janković and Jovan Zuber, emphasized that the movement is a struggle for survival rather than a political demonstration. They highlighted that minimum pensions of 450 euros are insufficient to cover the increasing costs of electricity, water, and taxes.

The Cetinje gathering is intended as a precursor to a larger planned protest to be held in front of the Government building in Podgorica.