Public Approval of Montenegro’s Leadership and Government Performance

Montenegro’s latest polling data paints a complex picture of public opinion on national leadership and government performance. While President Jakov Milatović and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić receive lukewarm approval ratings, the government’s handling of key policy areas enjoys broad support, particularly in employment, wages and economic development. However, corruption and crime remain contentious issues, with a notable divide between ruling party supporters and opposition voters.

This split in public sentiment reflects both political instability and shifting expectations, as Montenegro grapples with economic challenges, governance reforms and external pressures. While the ruling Movement Europe Now (ES) enjoys strong support from its base, it faces significant opposition from Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) voters and older demographics. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the government can sustain its economic momentum and address lingering concerns over corruption and security.

President Jakov Milatović: Weak Approval and Growing Discontent

Since taking office, President Jakov Milatović has struggled to gain strong public support, with only 5% of voters strongly approving of his performance and 23% approving, for a total approval rating of 28%. Meanwhile, 30% of respondents actively disapprove of his leadership and a large 34% remain neutral, suggesting that many Montenegrins feel disengaged or indifferent toward his presidency.

Approval for Milatović is highest among Movement Europe Now (ES) voters (49%) and among older voters (36% of those aged 45-54). However, support declines among younger voters and opposition supporters, particularly those who backed DPS leader Milo Đukanović, where 69% disapprove of his presidency.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić: A Divisive but Popular Leader

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has a higher approval ratings than Milatović, with 13% strongly approving and 22% approving, giving him an overall approval rating of 35%. However, 31% of respondents disapprove and 25% remain neutral, signaling a popular leader among a divided electorate.

Spajić’s approval is strongest among voters of Europe Now (71%), while opposition parties such as the DPS overwhelmingly disapprove (64%) of his performance as Prime Minister. Impressively, Spajić receives support from all age groups and is popular among both men and women.

His biggest challenge lies in economic management, where his government has pursued populist policies such as wage increases while struggling to address long-term economic development. Spajić’s leadership may face increasing scrutiny if his administration fails to deliver tangible improvements in government.

Government Performance: Positive Public Perception Across Key Policy Areas

Despite political instability and external pressures, Montenegro’s government enjoys broad approval for its handling of key issues, particularly employment, wages and economic development. Public sentiment reflects growing optimism about the administration’s economic policies, although concerns remain about corruption and crime. While opposition voters, particularly those aligned with the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), remain skeptical, a majority of the electorate supports the government’s performance in the most pressing policy areas.

Employment and Wages: Strong Public Support for Economic Policies

With employment and wages ranked as the top issue for voters, the government has received strong approval, with 45% of voters backing its efforts. Only 24% disapprove, while a further 24% remain neutral.

Approval is highest among supporters of the ruling Movement Europe Now (72%), who have benefited from recent wage increases and job market policies. Younger voters also show significant support, with 49% of those aged 18-24 approving. However, older voters (41% of those 55+) and opposition-aligned voters (58% of DPS supporters) are more skeptical, suggesting that while the government’s economic measures are popular, concerns about long-term sustainability persist.

Corruption: Mixed Reactions but Government Gains Support from Key Demographics

Corruption remains one of Montenegro’s most pressing issues, yet 39% of voters approve of the government’s anti-corruption efforts, while 31% disapprove.

Criticism is strongest among DPS supporters (59% disapprove), reflecting the deep political divide between the current administration and the former ruling party. In contrast, Europe Now voters overwhelmingly support the government’s actions (67%), as do a significant portion of undecided voters. While skepticism remains high, the administration has made inroads in presenting itself as an alternative to past corruption scandals.

Crime: Growing Confidence in Law Enforcement Efforts

The government’s crime-fighting initiatives have gained approval from 42% of the public, while 31% disapprove.

Support is strongest among younger voters and ruling party supporters (74%), who believe that recent law enforcement measures have begun to curb organised crime and improve public safety. Approval is widespread across all age groups in parties apart from those aged 55+ (44% disapprove) DPS supporters disapprove (67%).

Economic Development: Optimism for the Future

Despite concerns about fiscal stability and debt, economic development is viewed positively, with 40% approving of the government’s performance, while only 28% disapprove.

Approval is highest among ruling party voters (59%), who credit the administration with wage increases and foreign investment efforts. Younger voters also show optimism (34% of 18-24 year olds) but again, older and opposition-aligned voters remain skeptical. While populist economic policies have boosted short-term confidence, the challenge lies in ensuring long-term stability.

Healthcare: Moderate Approval but Concerns Remain

Healthcare reform remains a divisive issue but 36% of voters approve of the government’s handling of the sector, compared to 28% who disapprove.

Support is strongest among younger voters and those benefiting from government-led healthcare reforms. However, older voters are undecided with 39% approving and an equal amount disapproving, which is a positive result for the incumbent party considering this age group is likely to be the most interested.

A Government Holding Public Confidence Amid Political Uncertainty

Despite ongoing political instability, economic challenges and deep partisan divides, the Montenegrin government retains strong public support on key policy areas, particularly employment, wages and economic development.

While President Milatović struggles with low enthusiasm, Prime Minister Spajić enjoys broader approval, suggesting that the electorate values strong economic leadership over symbolic political roles.

However, corruption and crime remain significant concerns and opposition voters continue to express skepticism. If the government can build on its economic momentum while addressing governance concerns, it stands a strong chance of maintaining public confidence. The next phase of leadership will determine whether Montenegro’s optimism translates into long-term stability and progress.

Download the data tables for this poll.