Key Issues Shaping Voter Priorities in Montenegro: Economic Struggles, Corruption and Crime Dominate Concerns

In our latest poll from Montenegro it reveals that employment and wages remain the top concern for voters, followed closely by corruption, crime, economic development and healthcare. These priorities reflect widespread public frustration with government inefficiency, economic instability and governance failures. As the country grapples with political unrest, external pressures from Serbia and Russia and an ongoing struggle with EU integration, voters appear increasingly disillusioned with the ruling coalition’s ability to deliver meaningful change.

Employment and Wages

With 51% of voters citing employment and wages as a key issue, economic hardship is the most pressing concern for Montenegrins. Younger voters, particularly those aged 25-34, feel the impact the most, with 67% prioritising employment, a clear indication of dissatisfaction with job opportunities and financial security. This aligns with concerns about the fiscal mismanagement and populist economic policies that have characterised Montenegro’s recent political landscape.

The ruling Movement Europe Now (ES) party, which came to power promising economic reform, sees 48% of its voters emphasising employment and wages as a priority, reflecting growing unease over whether their policies are delivering results. Similarly, DPS supporters (54%) and 56% of female voters share concerns about job stability and wage fairness.

The Montenegrin economy has suffered from excessive borrowing and short-term wage increases that critics argue have failed to stimulate long-term growth. While the government has pushed programs like “Europe Now 2”, which increased wages and lowered pension contributions, these policies have raised concerns about sustainability, inflation and increasing national debt. If the government fails to enact structural economic reforms, voter dissatisfaction is likely to deepen.

Corruption

Corruption remains the second-most pressing issue, with 50% of voters citing it as a key factor in their political choices. Montenegro’s governance has been plagued by allegations of fraud, opaque public spending and judicial interference. Meanwhile, Serbian influence over Montenegrin politics, particularly through the Serbian Orthodox Church and nationalist parties, has raised fears that corruption is being used to undermine the country’s sovereignty and European trajectory.

The problem is particularly acute among ES supporters (62%), indicating frustration with the government’s inability to address entrenched corruption. For DPS supporters, only 29% still list corruption as a major issue, a stark contrast from the ruling party supporters. Corruption concerns are particularly high among those who did not vote in 2023 (47%), highlighting widespread disenchantment with political elites and governance structures.

Crime

Crime ranks as the third-most pressing issue, with 39% of respondents emphasising it as a major concern. Crime-related anxieties are particularly high among nationalist voters, with 95% of New Serb Democracy (NSD) supporters listing it as a priority. This is unsurprising given the government’s failure to confront challenges such as the Balkan drug trade and smuggling networks, fuelling public distrust and strengthening support for nationalist, law-and-order rhetoric.

Among DPS voters, 22% cite crime as a key concern, while 39% of ES voters see it as a main concern. Meanwhile, 43% of those who did not vote in 2023 share the same view. The prominence of crime as an electoral issue reflects the government’s struggle to maintain public safety, enforce the rule of law and address rising gang-related violence.

Economic Development

Economic development ranks fourth, with 36% of voters prioritising it as a critical issue. Concern is particularly strong among 42% of voters aged 55+, reflecting worries about Montenegro’s long-term financial stability.

Among Europe Now supporters, 37% see economic development as a priority, yet the government’s actions so far have done little to stimulate real investment. DPS supporters (39%) also highlight economic development as a key issue, suggesting that concerns about economic stagnation cut across party lines.

Healthcare

Healthcare ranks as the fifth-most important issue, with 27% of respondents citing it as a key concern. The issue is particularly pressing among 42% of voters aged 35-44, reflecting frustrations with the sector.

Despite promises of reform, 26% of Europe Now voters prioritise healthcare, compared to 30% of those who did not vote in 2023. This suggests that the government has failed to convince voters that its healthcare policies are effective, particularly among disengaged or independent voters.

Montenegro’s polling data underscores deep frustration among voters, with economic security, corruption and crime dominating the political conversation. The ruling Europe Now government, which came to power promising economic renewal, faces growing skepticism about its ability to deliver results. While employment remains the top issue, concerns over corruption and crime further highlight voter dissatisfaction with governance and public safety.

The country’s political instability, compounded by external pressures from Serbia and Russia, has weakened governance and deepened public distrust. Montenegro’s dependence on populist economic policies, ineffective anti-corruption measures and failure to address crime and healthcare concerns could significantly impact the outcome of the next parliamentary elections.

With a large portion of undecided and disengaged voters, the political landscape remains highly fluid. Any party that can present a credible strategy to tackle job insecurity, economic stagnation, corruption and crime will be well-positioned to shape the future of Montenegro’s governance and EU aspirations.

Download the data tables for this poll.