Igor Lukšic
Encyclopedia
Igor Lukšić is the Prime Minister in the Government of Montenegro
. His family roots trace back to Crmnica
(one of the regions of old Montenegro
). Lukšić became the acting Prime Minister of Montenegro
upon the resignation of Milo Đukanović, and was elected as Đukanović's permanent replacement on 29 December 2010.
He is the youngest head of government in the world.
In 1998, Lukšić graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Montenegro
in Podgorica
. In 1999, he attended the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and in 2000, he finished his postgraduate studies at the University of Montenegro. Lukšić received a Ph.D.
in economics on 10 September 2005.
Besides speaking his native Montenegrin
, he also speaks English
, French
and Italian
. Lukšić publishes regular blog
s in both Montenegrin and English.
, Yugoslavia
. He finished elementary school and high school in his hometown. Luksic family (on both of his father and mother side) roots trace back to the area of old Montenegro. Lukšić's family background follows a classic pattern of the Yugoslav middle class. One grandfather was a train driver, the other an army captain who joined the Partisans when Italy occupied Montenegro in 1941. His father, a marine engineer, is now the technical director of Bar's shipping company (and recently organized a vessel to rescue Montenegrins and others from Libya). While he was growing up, Lukšić was keen on pursuing a career in diplomacy or medicine, but just before taking his place at University of Montenegro, he plumped for economics.
He graduated from the Faculty of Economics
in Podgorica
on 10 June 1998. At the same institution he obtained a Master’s degree on 3 October 2002 on the topic: “Spontaneous Order and Transition” and a PhD on 10 September 2005 on the topic: “Transition – the Process of Achieving Economic and Political Freedoms.”
He is married to Natasha and has two daughters, Sofi and Daria and a son, Aleksej.
in 2001.In the period from January to April 2003, he was public relations adviser to the Prime Minister. From March 2003 to February 2004, he served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Montenegro
. Since February 2004, he has served five terms as Finance Minister and two terms as Deputy Prime Minister, since December 2008.
Igor Lukšić as Finance Minister defined himself as a pro-business reformist, and many times expressed that he believed in the power of entrepreneurship and private property. He advocated privatization in order to save and modernize jobs in Montenegro.
As a small and open economy, Montenegro was hit hard by the global late-2000s recession of 2008. The income side of the budget practically collapsed with the slackening of tourism revenues. The Montenegrin government had to increasingly rely on foreign sources to finance its expenditures. The issuing of Eurobonds in September 2010 was considered by the government a major success and proof of the confidence in Montenegro’s finances, as the demand by investors for Montenegrin government securities was three times as high as the supplied amount. The Ministry of Finance under Igor Lukšić issued ten-year bonds at a value of 200 million Euros at a fixed interest rate of 7.85 percent. Rumours appeared many times that the Ministry of Finance was also seeking an agreement with the IMF, but government officials, including the minister himself, always talked about it as a possible opportunity but as something that should be avoided if the possibility remains, and with successful issuing of Eurobonds, the government was able to avoid this possibility.
as Prime Minister, which was seen as a compromise between Đukanović and Svetozar Marović
, another figurehead of their generation in the DPS. Igor Lukšić retained his office as Finance Minister in the new cabinet, and when Sturanovic resigned two years later due to health problems and Đukanović took over again, Lukšić was elevated to the rank of Deputy Prime Minister as well.
Due to international controversies around him, the premiership of Đukanović was seen as a major obstacle in the EU integration path of Montenegro. He eventually resigned four days after Montenegro was given official candidate status on the 21 December 2010. The DPS unanimously nominated Lukšić as Đukanović's successor. The Parliament of Montenegro took a final vote on the matter on 29 December 2010. With Lukšić as prime minister, Đukanović will remain DPS party leader as he did during Šturanović's government.
One of his top priorities is to achieve Montenegro's membership of the European Union as soon as possible. To speed up this process he is demanding changes in values in society, he wants more individual initiatives than state interference. "The Government cannot and should not be the solution to all of society’s problems and shortcomings; it should be accountable and efficient in carrying out its constitutional and statutory obligations. I will require everyone to be accountable for his part in the task, so that we all individually and jointly contribute to Montenegro’s overall development"– he stated in his inaugural speech.
While as vice-president of the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) he is officially a social democratic politician, several observers mention that his views on economic policy are rather liberal, and on his Facebook profile he quotes famous Austrian-school economist Friedrich Hayek. Furthermore, among his political ideals one can see more politicians from the right, than from the left. Besides the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
, Lukšić mentions the current British Prime Minister David Cameron
as respected contemporary politicians (he also “likes” David Cameron on Facebook) and the former "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher
and Winston Churchill
are among his historical political models. Besides Lukšić’s personal preferences, a reason can be the strong influence of the “neoliberal” economical school of Professor Veselin Vukotic in Montenegro at the University of Donja Gorica. Professor Vukotic was a teacher of both Milo Djukanovic and Igor Lukšić, an important figure in putting together the privatization programmes in Montenegro. (Igor Lukšić is a lecturer of economics at the University of Donja Gorica).
At the same time, Igor Lukšić uses more “patriotic” messages than most members of the DPS, who show a much more technocratic attitude to politics. Unlike his predecessors, Lukšić keeps emphasizing that he is speaking the Montenegrin language, and in his policies he is trying to represent interests of the “Montenegrin nation”.
The Prime Minister pledged that he would personally coordinate all activities that are aimed at implementing the reforms required for EU accession.
Another focal point is international cooperation on security issues: the Lukšić cabinet is devoted to NATO membership for the country and maintains a Montenegrin presence in international peacekeeping missions, particularly in the Afghanistan ISAF
mission, the EU operations in the waters off Somalia as well as in the UN Mission in Liberia. Montenegro is currently within the second cycle of the Membership Action Plan of NATO.
The Government of Montenegro recognised the Libyan National Transitional Council
on 21 July 2011. As a candidate country, Montenegro also signed the statement condemning violence in Syria on 18 August 2011.
The part of interior policy regarded as most important by international observers is the fight against corruption and organized crime, as problems with criminality are perceived as the biggest hurdle on Montenegro's way toward EU membership. The Prime Minister has initiated some anti-corruption measures. The cabined strengthened the powers of the National Commission which was established to deal with the issue; one-stop shopping was introduced in offices to cut red tape and minimize the opportunities for bribery; several core laws were updated to comply with GRECO and European Commission recommendations. However, while Lukšić emphasizes that everyone is equal under the law, he keeps saying that he believes that no member of the previous or current government deserves to go before the prosecutor's office, which discourages those observers who expected that the alleged corruption issues of his predecessors would be prosecuted. Still, the fights against corruption and organized crime have gained momentum since Lukšić took office. The arrest of the mayor of Budva and his accomplices (among them the brother of former Deputy Prime Minister Marovic) mark the first case of a high-level politician facing corruption charges in Montenegro. In terms of organized crime, several successful investigations in cooperation with other countries were carried out this year, dealing a heavy blow to drug trafficking, money laundering and human trafficking in the region.
A few weeks before the inauguration of Igor Lukšić, Montenegro experienced the worst flood of its modern history. Rebuilding efforts were alleviated by flood relief donations from nine NATO countries and Russia, and the first-ever online fundraising campaign in Montenegro, also promoted on the then-debuting Facebook page of Prime Minister Igor Lukšić.
This year Montenegro would have seen its first Gay Pride Parade
in its history. Prime Minister Lukšić pledged his support for the event, stating that society has to show that it is mature enough to accept differences. However, his own minister for minorities and human rights made a controversial statement that if there are homosexuals in the country, “it is not good for Montenegro”. Despite official support for the event scheduled for 31 May, the organizers eventually called it off after two alleged attacks against gay persons in Montenegro. At the beginning of September, a milestone international conference was held on gay-rights issues and gender equality, with the cooperation of the American Embassy. Though the conference was attended by leading experts across the globe, it was boycotted by most of the NGO sector, which demanded the dismissal of Minister of Human and Minority Rights Ferhat Dinosa, more substantial public support for the “Pride Parade” and a stronger stance on violence against members of the LGBT community.
In 2011 the government of Montenegro conducted the first official census since regaining independence in 2006. Though observers found both the legal background and the whole process of the census in line with international requirements, the census sparked quite a political turmoil as opposition parties suggested that political pressure was being applied on citizens in order to tailor the census results regarding the ethnicity figures of the population. However, the census took place without any upset, and numbers did not reveal any substantial shift in figures that would have indicated a fraud.
In July 2011, Lukšić hosted a reception in honour of the Montenegrin Royal Family, the House of Petrovic-Njegos
, in Cetinje
. The event celebrated the adoption of the Royal Family Law, initiated by Lukšić’s cabinet, which regulates the status of the descendants of the House of Petrovic . Prince Nikola welcomed the adoption of the law, as it enables the Royal Family to participate in European processes in Montenegro.
Upon inauguration, Igor Lukšić said his cabinet would “place special emphasis on growth in the energy, tourism and transportation sectors, with particular attention on development in the northern part of Montenegro” and would “continue with energy efficiency promotion, becoming more dependable on renewable energy resources.” The first task is, however, to bring the economy back on track after the crisis. Igor Lukšić stated that the economy has a long-term growth potential of 5% per year, and stagnation has been left behind, as a 2.5% growth is expected for 2011. Prime Minister Lukšić is said to be committed to fiscal discipline, he stated that the current deficit would be turned into a primary surplus as early as 2013, and that public debt would culminate in 2011 at 41% of GDP. According to the first data concerning 2011, FDI
is returning to the country. Also, the second Eurobond issue was carried out at an interest rate half a percentage point lower than the previous one, indicating that investors have solid confidence in Montenegrin state finances.
Lukšić was also one of the most outspoken advocates of the government's decision to approve a 44-million-Euro bailout plan for Prva banka Crne Gore
from the state budget. In an interview he said that the way in which Prva Banka ensured liquidity does not have to be investigated. Lukšić said that Prva Banka had repaid all 44m Euros of its loan which the Government approved within the agreed deadline. He added that it did not have to be investigated whether it had used the funds deposited by the Montenegrin Electricity Enterprise (EPCG), which increased the money flow.
In an interview with Reuters news agency, he acknowledged the role Krgovic played in saving the financial stability in Montenegro. "From time to time we had policy clashes," he told Reuters. "But I respect everything Mr. Krgovic did for 10 years as central bank governor" – he was quoted as saying.
Prime Minister Lukšić is seen by many as a politician still controlled by former President and Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic. Although Lukšić has been trying to persuade journalists and his fellow citizens that he is acting on his own, and he consults Djukanovic only as often as he consults other Montenegrin politicians, the Montenegrin opposition continues to accuse him of being the “puppet” of Djukanovic. One of the first steps taken by Lukšić was to reorganize the cabinet inherited from Djukanovic and six new ministers were included in his government. At the same time it is still true that several members of the government can be considered as politicians loyal to Djukanovic. Newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, and “inherited” ministers Milan Rocen and Boro Vucinic are the most notable remaining figures in the cabinet widely seen as close allies to Mr. Djukanovic.
The allegations about Djukanovic remaining the secret bandmaster are also fuelled by the fact that he has retained the post of chairman of the ruling DPS party and Lukšić was only given the post of vice chairman. But some analysts have described him before as a “serious” player who is quite autonomous. Igor Lukšić himself rejects being just the hand of Djukanovic, mentioning that while consulting with the former prime minister sometimes, the final decisions are in his hands.
. A few Months later the leader of the German diplomacy, Guido Westerwelle
visited Igor Lukšić in Podgorica during his Balkan tour.
EU politicians find the achievements of the Lukšić government encouraging and they have repeated several times that they are ready to support Montenegro’s European integration. “His commitment to pursue the reform process and strong determination to meet the key priorities set out in the Commission’s opinion are encouraging. It is now crucial to focus on implementation and establish a solid track record” - EU’s Enlargement Commissioner, Stefan Füle
, told members of the European Parliament.
During a meeting with Lukšić, Füle said that the Montenegrin Prime Minister has proven that the determination and ambitions are there. He added that the European Commission “will provide as much help as we can to assist Montenegro,” in particular to meet the seven EC priorities that must be achieved in order for accession negotiations to begin.
Head of the EU Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, has also praised the Lukšić government. “I am pleased with the commitment and the efforts demonstrated by the Prime Minister’s government, and I have congratulated him on his work so far. But more work remains to be done. It is important that the government has elaborated a detailed Action Plan that focuses on the shortcomings identified in the Commission’s Opinion, which provides you with a clear road map for progress. The key now is implementation. Strong leadership and ownership are needed to address the priorities, in particular those related to the rule of law - he said during his visit to Podgorica.
Government of Montenegro
The Government of Montenegro is the executive branch of state authority in Montenegro. It is headed by the prime minister. It comprises the prime minister, the deputy prime ministers as well as ministers....
. His family roots trace back to Crmnica
Crmnica
Crmnica is a geographical region in southern Montenegro. It is within the municipality of Bar and is considered a division of that municipality. The capital of the region is Virpazar...
(one of the regions of old Montenegro
Old Montenegro
Old Montenegro is a geo-historical part of the modern Republic of Montenegro. It refers to the territory of the Principality of Montenegrin prior to its expansion and the proclamation of a kingdom during the Balkan Wars...
). Lukšić became the acting Prime Minister of Montenegro
Prime Minister of Montenegro
The Prime Minister of Montenegro , is the head of the Government of Montenegro. The role of the Prime Minister is to direct the work of the Government, and to submit to the Parliament the Government's Program, including a list of proposed ministers...
upon the resignation of Milo Đukanović, and was elected as Đukanović's permanent replacement on 29 December 2010.
He is the youngest head of government in the world.
In 1998, Lukšić graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Montenegro
University of Montenegro
The University of Montenegro is a university located in Podgorica, Montenegro. It was founded in 1974 and is organized in 20 Faculties.-History:...
in Podgorica
Podgorica
Podgorica , is the capital and largest city of Montenegro.Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley has encouraged settlement...
. In 1999, he attended the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and in 2000, he finished his postgraduate studies at the University of Montenegro. Lukšić received a Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
in economics on 10 September 2005.
Besides speaking his native Montenegrin
Montenegrin language
Montenegrin is a name used for the Serbo-Croatian language as spoken by Montenegrins; it also refers to an incipient standardized form of the Shtokavian dialect of Serbo-Croatian used as the official language of Montenegro...
, he also speaks English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
and Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
. Lukšić publishes regular blog
Blog
A blog is a type of website or part of a website supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in...
s in both Montenegrin and English.
Background
Igor Lukšić was born in Bar, MontenegroBar, Montenegro
Bar is a coastal town in Montenegro. It has a population of 17,727...
, Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
. He finished elementary school and high school in his hometown. Luksic family (on both of his father and mother side) roots trace back to the area of old Montenegro. Lukšić's family background follows a classic pattern of the Yugoslav middle class. One grandfather was a train driver, the other an army captain who joined the Partisans when Italy occupied Montenegro in 1941. His father, a marine engineer, is now the technical director of Bar's shipping company (and recently organized a vessel to rescue Montenegrins and others from Libya). While he was growing up, Lukšić was keen on pursuing a career in diplomacy or medicine, but just before taking his place at University of Montenegro, he plumped for economics.
He graduated from the Faculty of Economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
in Podgorica
Podgorica
Podgorica , is the capital and largest city of Montenegro.Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley has encouraged settlement...
on 10 June 1998. At the same institution he obtained a Master’s degree on 3 October 2002 on the topic: “Spontaneous Order and Transition” and a PhD on 10 September 2005 on the topic: “Transition – the Process of Achieving Economic and Political Freedoms.”
He is married to Natasha and has two daughters, Sofi and Daria and a son, Aleksej.
Early career
Lukšić was first elected to the Parliament of MontenegroParliament of Montenegro
The Parliament of Montenegro is the unicameral legislature of Montenegro. The Parliament currently has 81 members, each elected for a four-year term. The current Speaker of the Parliament is Ranko Krivokapić, while the deputy speakers are Željko Šturanović and Rifat Rastoder...
in 2001.In the period from January to April 2003, he was public relations adviser to the Prime Minister. From March 2003 to February 2004, he served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia and Montenegro was a country in southeastern Europe, formed from two former republics of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia : Serbia and Montenegro. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, it was established in 1992 as a federation called the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia...
. Since February 2004, he has served five terms as Finance Minister and two terms as Deputy Prime Minister, since December 2008.
As finance minister
Igor Lukšić was appointed Finance Minister in 2004. As such, he oversaw the final disassociation of state finances that had started long before with the federalization of Yugoslavia. The robust post-independence boom made it possible to very effectively consolidate the budget (a record surplus of 7% of gross domestic product was achieved in 2007) and to drastically reduce national debt.Igor Lukšić as Finance Minister defined himself as a pro-business reformist, and many times expressed that he believed in the power of entrepreneurship and private property. He advocated privatization in order to save and modernize jobs in Montenegro.
As a small and open economy, Montenegro was hit hard by the global late-2000s recession of 2008. The income side of the budget practically collapsed with the slackening of tourism revenues. The Montenegrin government had to increasingly rely on foreign sources to finance its expenditures. The issuing of Eurobonds in September 2010 was considered by the government a major success and proof of the confidence in Montenegro’s finances, as the demand by investors for Montenegrin government securities was three times as high as the supplied amount. The Ministry of Finance under Igor Lukšić issued ten-year bonds at a value of 200 million Euros at a fixed interest rate of 7.85 percent. Rumours appeared many times that the Ministry of Finance was also seeking an agreement with the IMF, but government officials, including the minister himself, always talked about it as a possible opportunity but as something that should be avoided if the possibility remains, and with successful issuing of Eurobonds, the government was able to avoid this possibility.
Rise to power
Igor Lukšić was long seen as the designated successor of former Prime Minister and one-time Head of State Milo Đukanović. When the latter resigned his office despite winning the election in 2006, Igor Lukšić was his first candidate as his successor (Đukanović remained the chairman of the Democratic Party of Socialists, so still had quite an influence over the nomination process). However, in the end the party nominated Željko ŠturanovićŽeljko Šturanovic
Željko Šturanović is a former Prime Minister of Montenegro who served from November 10, 2006 to February 29, 2008.-Early life:Šturanović was born in Nikšić, in what was then the People's Republic of Montenegro, part of the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia.-Appointment as Prime Minister:He...
as Prime Minister, which was seen as a compromise between Đukanović and Svetozar Marović
Svetozar Marovic
Svetozar Marović ; born March 31, 1955) is a lawyer and a Montenegrin politician. He was the only president of Serbia and Montenegro...
, another figurehead of their generation in the DPS. Igor Lukšić retained his office as Finance Minister in the new cabinet, and when Sturanovic resigned two years later due to health problems and Đukanović took over again, Lukšić was elevated to the rank of Deputy Prime Minister as well.
Due to international controversies around him, the premiership of Đukanović was seen as a major obstacle in the EU integration path of Montenegro. He eventually resigned four days after Montenegro was given official candidate status on the 21 December 2010. The DPS unanimously nominated Lukšić as Đukanović's successor. The Parliament of Montenegro took a final vote on the matter on 29 December 2010. With Lukšić as prime minister, Đukanović will remain DPS party leader as he did during Šturanović's government.
Members of the Lukšić cabinet
| Status | Name |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister of Montenegro Prime Minister of Montenegro The Prime Minister of Montenegro , is the head of the Government of Montenegro. The role of the Prime Minister is to direct the work of the Government, and to submit to the Parliament the Government's Program, including a list of proposed ministers... |
Igor Lukšić |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister | Dusko Markovic |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information Society and Telecommunications | Vujica Lazovic |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration | Milan Roćen Milan Roćen Milan Roćen is Montenegrin politician who is currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Government of Montenegro.- Education :... |
| Interior Minister | Ivan Brajovic |
| Finance Minister | Milorad Katnic |
| Defence Minister | Boro Vucinic |
| Economy Minister | Vladimir Kavaric |
| Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs | Andrija Lompar |
| Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism | Predrag Sekulic |
| Agriculture Minister | Tarzan Milosevic |
| Education Minister | Slavoljub Stijepovic |
| Science Minister | Sanja Vlahovic |
| Labour Minister | Suad Numanovic |
| Health Minister | Miodrag Radunovic |
| Branislav Micunovic | Culture, Sport and Media Minister |
| Human and Minority Rights Minister | Ferhat Dinosa |
| Minister without portfolio | Rafet Husovic |
Ideology, political programme and views
Prime Minister Lukšić, the youngest prime minister in the world faces a double challenge: modernizing society and implementing reforms, while maintaining the political stability of the country and respecting traditions set by previous governments at the same time. As a result, regardless of his statements that his decisions are independent of the former President and Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, many still regard the latter as a figurehead, and argue that the country is still being run from behind the scenes by Milo Djukanovic. "I am in charge. I will always, when I find it necessary, consult with many people ... But I would not accept doing this job if I had to bear all the responsibility and if the decisions were made somewhere else." - Lukšić responded to the question from Reuters news agency, in his first interview to the foreign media after his confirmation as Prime Minister. Lukšić’s political credo is to govern by clear, precise and applicable rules, with the objective of leaving less room for discretionary decision making and corruption. While he says: “Montenegrin society has relied throughout its entire history on strong personalities”, his main aim is to create trust in political institutions instead.One of his top priorities is to achieve Montenegro's membership of the European Union as soon as possible. To speed up this process he is demanding changes in values in society, he wants more individual initiatives than state interference. "The Government cannot and should not be the solution to all of society’s problems and shortcomings; it should be accountable and efficient in carrying out its constitutional and statutory obligations. I will require everyone to be accountable for his part in the task, so that we all individually and jointly contribute to Montenegro’s overall development"– he stated in his inaugural speech.
While as vice-president of the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) he is officially a social democratic politician, several observers mention that his views on economic policy are rather liberal, and on his Facebook profile he quotes famous Austrian-school economist Friedrich Hayek. Furthermore, among his political ideals one can see more politicians from the right, than from the left. Besides the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
, Lukšić mentions the current British Prime Minister David Cameron
David Cameron
David William Donald Cameron is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service and Leader of the Conservative Party. Cameron represents Witney as its Member of Parliament ....
as respected contemporary politicians (he also “likes” David Cameron on Facebook) and the former "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990...
and Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
are among his historical political models. Besides Lukšić’s personal preferences, a reason can be the strong influence of the “neoliberal” economical school of Professor Veselin Vukotic in Montenegro at the University of Donja Gorica. Professor Vukotic was a teacher of both Milo Djukanovic and Igor Lukšić, an important figure in putting together the privatization programmes in Montenegro. (Igor Lukšić is a lecturer of economics at the University of Donja Gorica).
At the same time, Igor Lukšić uses more “patriotic” messages than most members of the DPS, who show a much more technocratic attitude to politics. Unlike his predecessors, Lukšić keeps emphasizing that he is speaking the Montenegrin language, and in his policies he is trying to represent interests of the “Montenegrin nation”.
Foreign Policy of the Lukšić Cabinet
One of the government’s top priorities is to achieve Montenegro's membership of the European Union as soon as possible. As the cabinet was inaugurated right after achieving candidate status, it is expected that it will speed up the integration process and implement the reforms still needed to get a starting date for the accession negotiations. Upon forming his government, Igor Lukšić decided to merge the Ministry for European Integration with the Foreign Ministry, and charged the newly appointed minister Milan Rocen “with providing continuous communication with Brussels, as well as with other departments in the government and other social entities”.The Prime Minister pledged that he would personally coordinate all activities that are aimed at implementing the reforms required for EU accession.
Another focal point is international cooperation on security issues: the Lukšić cabinet is devoted to NATO membership for the country and maintains a Montenegrin presence in international peacekeeping missions, particularly in the Afghanistan ISAF
ISAF
ISAF may refer to:* International Sailing Federation, the world governing body for Olympic and other competitive sailing.* International Security Assistance Force, the NATO-led security mission operating in Afghanistan since 2001....
mission, the EU operations in the waters off Somalia as well as in the UN Mission in Liberia. Montenegro is currently within the second cycle of the Membership Action Plan of NATO.
The Government of Montenegro recognised the Libyan National Transitional Council
National Transitional Council
The National Transitional Council of Libya , sometimes known as the Transitional National Council, the Interim National Council, or the Libyan National Council,...
on 21 July 2011. As a candidate country, Montenegro also signed the statement condemning violence in Syria on 18 August 2011.
Interior Policy
Igor Lukšić started his tenure by expressing that he was trying to phase in a new kind of governance, by applying a more deliberative approach to politics. During the first 100 days of his cabinet he organized meetings with representatives of different groups within Montenegrin society, including the opposition parties, NGOs, various minority and church representatives. The approach was welcomed quite warmly. The NGO sector also welcomed the decriminalisation of libel, which took place in June 2011 under the Luksic government, and was regarded as a measure that improved the freedom of the press in Montenegro.The part of interior policy regarded as most important by international observers is the fight against corruption and organized crime, as problems with criminality are perceived as the biggest hurdle on Montenegro's way toward EU membership. The Prime Minister has initiated some anti-corruption measures. The cabined strengthened the powers of the National Commission which was established to deal with the issue; one-stop shopping was introduced in offices to cut red tape and minimize the opportunities for bribery; several core laws were updated to comply with GRECO and European Commission recommendations. However, while Lukšić emphasizes that everyone is equal under the law, he keeps saying that he believes that no member of the previous or current government deserves to go before the prosecutor's office, which discourages those observers who expected that the alleged corruption issues of his predecessors would be prosecuted. Still, the fights against corruption and organized crime have gained momentum since Lukšić took office. The arrest of the mayor of Budva and his accomplices (among them the brother of former Deputy Prime Minister Marovic) mark the first case of a high-level politician facing corruption charges in Montenegro. In terms of organized crime, several successful investigations in cooperation with other countries were carried out this year, dealing a heavy blow to drug trafficking, money laundering and human trafficking in the region.
A few weeks before the inauguration of Igor Lukšić, Montenegro experienced the worst flood of its modern history. Rebuilding efforts were alleviated by flood relief donations from nine NATO countries and Russia, and the first-ever online fundraising campaign in Montenegro, also promoted on the then-debuting Facebook page of Prime Minister Igor Lukšić.
This year Montenegro would have seen its first Gay Pride Parade
Gay pride parade
Pride parades for the LGBT community are events celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture. The events also at times serve as demonstrations for legal rights such as same-sex marriage...
in its history. Prime Minister Lukšić pledged his support for the event, stating that society has to show that it is mature enough to accept differences. However, his own minister for minorities and human rights made a controversial statement that if there are homosexuals in the country, “it is not good for Montenegro”. Despite official support for the event scheduled for 31 May, the organizers eventually called it off after two alleged attacks against gay persons in Montenegro. At the beginning of September, a milestone international conference was held on gay-rights issues and gender equality, with the cooperation of the American Embassy. Though the conference was attended by leading experts across the globe, it was boycotted by most of the NGO sector, which demanded the dismissal of Minister of Human and Minority Rights Ferhat Dinosa, more substantial public support for the “Pride Parade” and a stronger stance on violence against members of the LGBT community.
In 2011 the government of Montenegro conducted the first official census since regaining independence in 2006. Though observers found both the legal background and the whole process of the census in line with international requirements, the census sparked quite a political turmoil as opposition parties suggested that political pressure was being applied on citizens in order to tailor the census results regarding the ethnicity figures of the population. However, the census took place without any upset, and numbers did not reveal any substantial shift in figures that would have indicated a fraud.
In July 2011, Lukšić hosted a reception in honour of the Montenegrin Royal Family, the House of Petrovic-Njegos
House of Petrovic-Njegoš
The House of Petrović-Njegoš was the Royal House of Montenegro from 1696 to 1918. Montenegro had enjoyed de facto independence from the Ottoman Empire from 1711 but only received formal international recognition as an independent principality in 1878.Montenegro was ruled from inception by...
, in Cetinje
Cetinje
Cetinje , Цетиње / Cetinje , Italian: Cettigne, Greek: Κετίγνη, Ketígni) is a town and Old Royal Capital of Montenegro. It is also a historical and the secondary capital of Montenegro , with the official residence of the President of Montenegro...
. The event celebrated the adoption of the Royal Family Law, initiated by Lukšić’s cabinet, which regulates the status of the descendants of the House of Petrovic . Prince Nikola welcomed the adoption of the law, as it enables the Royal Family to participate in European processes in Montenegro.
Election reform and language issue
One of the largest remaining legal reforms the Lukšić cabinet had to put in motion was the harmonization of the Election Law with the new Constitution adopted in 2007. However, it required a two-thirds majority in the national assembly that the ruling coalition lacks. Opposition parties were in a position to blackmail the government, demanding that the Serbian language be officially named the second official language of the state (to the time being it was Montenegrin), and that it be included in the school curriculum. This distinction was more important politically than linguistically, as it reflected the difference between pro-Serb and pro-independence identities within Montenegrin society. The stand-off that blocked the efforts of the government to give a boost to the European integration process was so severe, that Prime Minister Lukšić even mentioned the possibility of holding an early election to resolve the current situation, but this move was widely seen merely as tactical by the Montenegrin public. Compromise was finally reached in early September, when the parties agreed upon the name of the subject taught in class as ““Montenegrin-Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian language and literature”. The Election Law deadlock is widely seen as the first serious political conflict during the tenure of Igor Lukšić, and although first he was seen as unable of showing enough strength, but the final compromise had his position strengthened.Economic policy
As Prime Minister, Lukšić remained a firm supporter of privatization and foreign direct investment in the Montenegrin economy, as he sees this path as the only one leading to a rapid modernization of the country.Upon inauguration, Igor Lukšić said his cabinet would “place special emphasis on growth in the energy, tourism and transportation sectors, with particular attention on development in the northern part of Montenegro” and would “continue with energy efficiency promotion, becoming more dependable on renewable energy resources.” The first task is, however, to bring the economy back on track after the crisis. Igor Lukšić stated that the economy has a long-term growth potential of 5% per year, and stagnation has been left behind, as a 2.5% growth is expected for 2011. Prime Minister Lukšić is said to be committed to fiscal discipline, he stated that the current deficit would be turned into a primary surplus as early as 2013, and that public debt would culminate in 2011 at 41% of GDP. According to the first data concerning 2011, FDI
FDI
-Medical:* FDI World Dental Federation, Fédération dentaire internationale. The World Dental Federation also have an , also known as the FDI.* first dorsal interosseous, one of the four dorsal interossei muscles of the hand -Finance:* FDi magazine, a UK-based publication that covers foreign direct...
is returning to the country. Also, the second Eurobond issue was carried out at an interest rate half a percentage point lower than the previous one, indicating that investors have solid confidence in Montenegrin state finances.
Controversies
Opponents say that Lukšić – then Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, has played a significant role in the controversial issues around Prva Banka, partly owned by Djukanovic's family. Lukšić openly confronted the central bank's then-governor, Ljubisa Krgovic, and his policy making. Different views were also aired with regards to the way to resolve troubled bank. The Parliament cut short Krgovic's mandate and replaced him in October 2010.Lukšić was also one of the most outspoken advocates of the government's decision to approve a 44-million-Euro bailout plan for Prva banka Crne Gore
Prva banka Crne Gore
Prva Banka CG a.d. – osnovana 1901. was established on 5 March 1901 as Prva Niksicka stedionica - the first financial company of Montenegro.Prva banka Crne Gore AD - Osnovana 1901 is a Montenegrin bank. Formerly known as Nikšićka banka AD, the bank was renamed in March 2007 following a takeover the...
from the state budget. In an interview he said that the way in which Prva Banka ensured liquidity does not have to be investigated. Lukšić said that Prva Banka had repaid all 44m Euros of its loan which the Government approved within the agreed deadline. He added that it did not have to be investigated whether it had used the funds deposited by the Montenegrin Electricity Enterprise (EPCG), which increased the money flow.
In an interview with Reuters news agency, he acknowledged the role Krgovic played in saving the financial stability in Montenegro. "From time to time we had policy clashes," he told Reuters. "But I respect everything Mr. Krgovic did for 10 years as central bank governor" – he was quoted as saying.
Prime Minister Lukšić is seen by many as a politician still controlled by former President and Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic. Although Lukšić has been trying to persuade journalists and his fellow citizens that he is acting on his own, and he consults Djukanovic only as often as he consults other Montenegrin politicians, the Montenegrin opposition continues to accuse him of being the “puppet” of Djukanovic. One of the first steps taken by Lukšić was to reorganize the cabinet inherited from Djukanovic and six new ministers were included in his government. At the same time it is still true that several members of the government can be considered as politicians loyal to Djukanovic. Newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, and “inherited” ministers Milan Rocen and Boro Vucinic are the most notable remaining figures in the cabinet widely seen as close allies to Mr. Djukanovic.
The allegations about Djukanovic remaining the secret bandmaster are also fuelled by the fact that he has retained the post of chairman of the ruling DPS party and Lukšić was only given the post of vice chairman. But some analysts have described him before as a “serious” player who is quite autonomous. Igor Lukšić himself rejects being just the hand of Djukanovic, mentioning that while consulting with the former prime minister sometimes, the final decisions are in his hands.
International reception
While during the premiership of Milo Djukanovic there were no highest-level diplomatic meetings between Germany and Montenegro, one of the first diplomatic trips of Igor Lukšić led to Germany to the invitation of Chancellor Angela MerkelAngela Merkel
Angela Dorothea Merkel is the current Chancellor of Germany . Merkel, elected to the Bundestag from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has been the chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union since 2000, and chairwoman of the CDU-CSU parliamentary coalition from 2002 to 2005.From 2005 to 2009 she led a...
. A few Months later the leader of the German diplomacy, Guido Westerwelle
Guido Westerwelle
Guido Westerwelle [] is a German liberal politician, who, since 28 October 2009, has been serving as the Foreign Minister in the second cabinet of Chancellor Angela Merkel, and who was Vice Chancellor of Germany from 2009 to 2011. He is the first openly gay person to hold either of those positions...
visited Igor Lukšić in Podgorica during his Balkan tour.
EU politicians find the achievements of the Lukšić government encouraging and they have repeated several times that they are ready to support Montenegro’s European integration. “His commitment to pursue the reform process and strong determination to meet the key priorities set out in the Commission’s opinion are encouraging. It is now crucial to focus on implementation and establish a solid track record” - EU’s Enlargement Commissioner, Stefan Füle
Štefan Füle
Štefan Füle is a Czech politician and diplomat, since 2009 European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy in the second Barroso Commission.- Early life :...
, told members of the European Parliament.
During a meeting with Lukšić, Füle said that the Montenegrin Prime Minister has proven that the determination and ambitions are there. He added that the European Commission “will provide as much help as we can to assist Montenegro,” in particular to meet the seven EC priorities that must be achieved in order for accession negotiations to begin.
Head of the EU Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, has also praised the Lukšić government. “I am pleased with the commitment and the efforts demonstrated by the Prime Minister’s government, and I have congratulated him on his work so far. But more work remains to be done. It is important that the government has elaborated a detailed Action Plan that focuses on the shortcomings identified in the Commission’s Opinion, which provides you with a clear road map for progress. The key now is implementation. Strong leadership and ownership are needed to address the priorities, in particular those related to the rule of law - he said during his visit to Podgorica.