Prime Minister congratulates media workers on World Press Freedom Day: Full tolerance for criticism has led to greater rights and freedoms for all

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić extended his congratulations to all media professionals on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, expressing his hope that their continued professionalism will contribute to the further democratization of society as a whole.

He reminded the public that Montenegro has advanced by three places on the World Press Freedom Index and now ranks 37th out of 180 countries worldwide.

This is likely the most heavily criticized government to date — despite tangible results. But that is a burden we carry with pride, because it stands as a beacon of free speech for all citizens. Improved living standards, lower taxes on labor, enhanced legislation fully aligned with European standards, and a consistent policy of complete tolerance for criticism have together led to greater freedoms and rights for all, the Prime Minister stated.

Spajić emphasized that Montenegro is currently the highest-ranked country in the Balkans on the press freedom index and outperforms even ten EU member states — as well as the United States. He recalled that prior to 2020, Montenegro was ranked 113th, behind countries like Gabon, Madagascar, Uganda, Kyrgyzstan, and East Timor.

We welcome the news of our country's progress on the Press Freedom Index, but we remain firmly committed to further improving the environment in which media professionals carry out their work, he said in a statement marking the occasion.

The Prime Minister added that although Montenegro’s efforts to prosecute those responsible for attacks on journalists have been acknowledged, as a modern state it must also ensure appropriate protection in the online space, where media workers are regularly subjected to insults and threats.

I once again extend my sincere congratulations to all members of the media on World Press Freedom Day, with the hope that their continued professionalism will contribute to the further democratization of society as a whole, the message concluded.