Montenegro is finally waking up, and protests are spreading from north to south. But this morning, is wasn`t students leading the charge it was pensioners. The reason? Skyrocketing prices that are hitting every part of society, including those who should be enjoying their retirement, not fighting for fair water bills.
Ivan Žunić, president of the Pensioners Movement of Bijelo Polje, spoke out, calling it unfair that the price of water is now the same for both individuals and businesses. The pensioners gathered outside the Bistrica Water utility building at noon, demanding that the recent price hike be reversed. Some residents claim their water bills have increased by 100 to 150 percent.
Žunić pointed out the absurdity of the Municipality of Budva having cheaper water that the Minicipality of Bijelo Polje, explaining that the real cost of water is lower, but municipalities subsidize it differently. According to him, the real issue isn`t just the price hike it`s years of political hiring and mismanagement, and now, the people are being forced to pay for it.
Unfortunately, there`s a law in Montenegro that aligns public utility prices with EU standards, meaning that, starting January 1, 2025, individuals and businesses must pay the same rate. Whether people agree with it or not, the law is the law. Before this, households paid €0.25 per cubic meter of water, while businesses paid €1.35. Now, the flat rate is €0.65 per cubic meter.
It`s frustrating to see the people who built this country now having to fight just to afford basic necessities. These are our grandparents, our parents the ones who worked their whole lives so we could have a better future. And instead of enjoying their well-deserved rest, they`re out there protesting, standing in the cold, demanding fairness. It makes you wonder if they don`t speak up now, who will? And more importantly, if we don`t stand with them today, what kind of future are we letting happen to ourselves tomorrow?
So, it`s no surprise that Montenegro`s oldest citizens are out in the streets instead of enjoying their well-earned rest. Instead of worrying about their pensions, they`re out there, standing in front of the Bistrica Water utility building, demanding fairness. And honestly? Who can blame them?
Written by our correspondent A.A.
