Pobjeda has long had a strong connection with pensioners, who form one of its most loyal and numerous readership groups. Recognizing their importance in society, Pobjeda is committed to closely monitoring the activities of the Pensioners’ Association and its municipal branches, as stated by director and editor-in-chief Nenad Zečević during a meeting with the association’s representatives.
Zečević, accompanied by colleagues, made his first official visit as a representative of a Montenegrin media outlet to the Pensioners’ Association, which is the largest non-governmental and non-partisan organization in the country, boasting nearly 90,000 members. This visit marks the beginning of a more intensive collaboration between Pobjeda and the association, aimed at providing additional support for pensioners and their initiatives.
“Our goal is to actively support the association not just by reporting on their initiatives but also by collaborating on projects of mutual interest. Whether it’s humanitarian actions, social projects, or issues affecting pensioners’ quality of life, we are dedicated to providing assistance at every stage,” said Zečević.
Enhancing communication
Pobjeda also aims to facilitate communication between pensioners and state institutions, creating a platform for discussing important topics and fostering dialogue with relevant authorities.
“In this way, we want not only to inform the public about pensioners’ needs but also to contribute to real changes that will improve their position in society. Our mission is to strengthen the Pensioners’ Association and its influence through media support and collaboration, as we believe pensioners deserve to be active and valued members of the community,” added Zečević.
Branko Vešović, president of the Pensioners’ Association of Montenegro, reported that the association is the largest non-governmental organization, representing 89,702 out of a total of 109,372 pensioners. He expressed particular satisfaction that Zečević is the first media representative from Montenegro to visit them. During this meeting, Vešović provided detailed insights into the association’s work, highlighting key activities and projects, as well as the challenges faced in improving pensioners’ conditions.
“The association is organized at the local level through 277 community groups and 26 municipal associations, with the highest membership coming from Podgorica, Nikšić, Bar and Bijelo Polje, where nearly half of all pensioners in Montenegro reside. The association’s funding is derived from membership fees of €0.60 per pensioner, unchanged since 2009. The funds are allocated so that 35% goes to humanitarian purposes, 45% to municipal associations, and the remainder supports the association’s operations and cultural activities,” Vešović informed.
Ongoing activities
He noted that the association provides rest and recreation at favorable rates for its members in three resorts: Ulcinj, Žabljak, and the “Simo Milošević” Institute in Igalo.
“The association also supplies winter provisions for pensioners, including fresh meat and cured products. Regarding humanitarian aid, the Pension Insurance Fund has halted aid distribution through the association, with the only criterion for assistance now being the pension amount. The association disagrees with this, insisting that additional factors, such as housing and health status, family size, and overall property conditions, should also be considered. Based on our criteria, humanitarian aid has been directed towards pensioners with the lowest incomes and most challenging living conditions. The Pensioners’ Association has also been involved in housing construction, having built 526 apartments in various municipalities, including Podgorica, Nikšić, and Bijelo Polje. However, current construction has been halted due to a review of previous investments,” stated Vešović, emphasizing the importance of resuming housing projects.
Secretary Brano Milošević added that the association has published the “Glasnik penzionera Crne Gore” magazine, which came out quarterly in 2,500 copies. The magazine was free for pensioners but is now facing financial difficulties.
“The association continues to seek support for its activities aimed at improving the material and social position of Montenegrin pensioners but faces challenges in communicating with the Pension Insurance Fund and relevant institutions,” concluded Milošević.
