Montenegro’s government has pursued a series of economic reforms aimed at improving wages, job creation and foreign investment. While many citizens acknowledge these changes, skepticism remains about their long-term sustainability. Our latest poll reveals that while cost-of-living adjustments are widely felt, doubts persist regarding job stability, public services, foreign investment and corruption.
Cost of Living: Noticing Change But Divided on Benefits
A strong 70% of Montenegrins report changes in their household cost of living due to government policies, particularly among younger voters aged 25-34 (84%) and DPS supporters (74%). Wage increases and social benefits appear to be reaching a large portion of the population with all age groups and parties apart from United Montenegro supporters answering “Yes”.
Meanwhile, 15% of respondents say they have noticed no change and another 15% are unsure, indicating that while government measures are being felt, they are not universally seen as positive.
Job Creation: Divided Opinions on Employment Growth
One of the government’s central promises has been job creation but public perception remains split. 39% believe employment opportunities have increased, while 35% remain unsure and 26% say no improvement has occurred.
Optimism is highest among younger voters (47% of 18-24 year olds) and Europe Now supporters (50%), while DPS and DF supporters express significant doubt, with a majority unconvinced that jobs have increased.
Public Services: No Clear Improvement
Despite economic changes, public services such as healthcare, education and transportation have not seen universal improvement. Only 35% believe access to services has gotten better, while a majority of 37% say it has worsened.
Supporters of Europe Now (54%) report the most optimism, whereas DPS voters overwhelmingly believe public services have declined (65%). These figures indicate that while economic reforms may have increased wages, they have not yet translated into clear improvements in essential public infrastructure.
Foreign Investment: Little Perceived Benefit
The government has made foreign investment a cornerstone of its economic strategy but public skepticism is high. Only 23% believe foreign investment efforts have improved their communities, while a majority of 56% see no benefits.
Distrust is particularly pronounced among DPS supporters (87%) and even Europe Now voters are skeptical (43%). These figures suggest that while foreign investment may be increasing in some sectors, it has yet to generate visible benefits for the general public. Corruption concerns may also be fueling distrust over how these investments are managed.
Long-Term Economic Stability: Widespread Doubt
While economic policies have delivered noticeable short-term effects, only 22% of Montenegrins believe the reforms will lead to lasting economic stability. In contrast, 48% think they will not and 30% remain uncertain. Skepticism is strongest among DPS voters (73%), while Europe Now supporters remain more hopeful.
Corruption and Transparency: Public Confidence Lacking
Economic reforms are closely linked to governance, yet only 22% of respondents believe corruption has been reduced or that government funds are better managed. Meanwhile, 55% disagree, signaling a major trust issue.
Criticism is strongest among DPS voters (77%), while only 37% of Europe Now supporters believe corruption is being tackled. Without greater transparency, public skepticism may continue to undermine faith in the government’s economic agenda.
Montenegro’s government has implemented reforms that have had a real impact on household finances, with 70% of citizens acknowledging cost-of-living changes. However, concerns over long-term stability persist, particularly regarding job security, public services, foreign investment and corruption.
While ruling party supporters largely defend the reforms, public trust remains fragile. To sustain economic momentum, the government must improve transparency, ensure economic growth benefits all citizens and strengthen public services. Without addressing these concerns, skepticism may continue to overshadow short-term gains, weakening public confidence in Montenegro’s economic future.
