Key findings of a recent NDI public opinion poll in Montenegro paint a picture of a country progressing toward membership in Euro-Atlantic structures, even while the majority of citizens have yet to see tangible benefits of an improving economy and democratic reforms. The November 2008 poll – the second in a series of four polls to be conducted over a two year period – gauged citizens’ attitudes on such issues as government institutions, reform initiatives, and Euro-Atlantic integration. While participants clearly desire a European quality of life, they still have doubts about the ability of their leaders to help improve their lives.

Among the key findings:

• Fifty-six percent of respondents are satisfied with the work of the current government, a six percent decrease since May 2008. Sixty percent of respondents are satisfied with the work of their local governments, which represents a seven point decrease since May 2008.

• A majority of respondents cited the cost of energy as the greatest challenge to Montenegro’s continued economic development, while more than a third of respondents believe improvements to the country’s roads should be the government’s top infrastructure priority.

• A majority of respondents (54 percent) continue to believe Montenegro should not become a member of the NATO alliance.

• Fifty-eight percent of respondents believe that while joining the European Union would be important to Montenegro s international relations, it will not have much affect on citizens’ quality of life in the near-term.

NDI conducts public opinion research as part of a parliamentary assistance program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Institute will work with the Assembly of Montenegro and the political parties represented therein to use the research as tools to improve parliament’s ability to adopt legislation addressing citizens’ concerns.

The poll was in the field when the European Commission released its progress report on Montenegro and during elections for the municipality of Kotor’s government. As with all polls, it is a snapshot of public opinion, in this case during the period of October 31 to November 14, 2008.

Pictured above: The parliament building (background) and a park in Podgorica, Montenegro.

–

Published Jan. 9, 2009