In Montenegro, the public sector, excluding state and local enterprises, currently employs nearly 53,790 individuals, marking an increase of 2,200 compared to two years ago, as reported by the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA).
Responding to inquiries about public sector employment in Montenegro, MPA representatives referenced data from the Ministry of Finance (MoF), indicating that as of November, there were a total of 53,790 employees across central and local levels, excluding those in state and local enterprises. This figure reflects a decrease of 2,200 from two years ago, according to Pobjeda.
This year’s budget allocation for state administration salaries amounts to EUR 674 million, representing an increase of over EUR 200 million compared to 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The MPA emphasized that the objective of rationalizing public administration should not only focus on reducing employee numbers but also on optimizing administration through enhanced human resource planning, alignment with budget programs, and skills development.
Their aim is to cultivate a professional workforce capable of delivering efficient and high-quality public administration services.
Continuing their collaboration with the MoF, the MPA consistently monitors and analyzes public administration employee figures as part of implementing the Public Administration Reform Strategy for 2022-2026, tracking indicators related to the proportion of public administration employees relative to Montenegro’s total workforce.
According to MPA data shared with Pobjeda, this indicator stood at 26% in 2021, decreased to 23% in 2022, and reached 21.7% last year.
Milena Muk, a researcher at the Institute Alternative (IA), affirmed the public’s perception of the challenges surrounding public sector employment. She noted that little progress has been made since the reforms of 2020, particularly in addressing issues within public enterprises and state administration.
Muk highlighted the absence of legal measures to curb politicization and nepotism, underscoring the need for improved inspection oversight and greater transparency, especially regarding the selection process for public administration positions.
