wanted to add my perspective on the situation regarding Montenegro’s tourism costs, especially in light of recent changes since COVID-19. While it was once true that Montenegro offered a more affordable vacation compared to other European destinations, the landscape has shifted dramatically.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, we’ve seen rampant inflation affecting food prices, making it increasingly difficult for locals to afford basic necessities. The two dominant grocery chains appear to be engaged in price-fixing, creating a duopoly that effectively strangles the purchasing power of the 600,000 Montenegrins. This situation forces many to settle for poorer-quality food, which, as we know, can lead to serious health problems across generations.
The root of the issue lies not only in the oligarchs controlling the food market but also in the complicity of government officials, who seem to be turning a blind eye to the problem, likely even receiving pay-offs to block affordable food chains. By blocking the entry of discount chains like LIDL, which could provide competitive pricing and variety, they’re allowing this unhealthy status quo to persist. LIDL has given up trying apparently.
It’s disheartening to see how a few greedy individuals can impact the well-being of so many. The potential for significant change is there; if we could introduce more competition into the market, we could see prices drop back to reasonable levels, reflecting the actual cost of living in Montenegro. It’s crucial for both locals and tourists that we address this issue, as a healthy population is fundamental to the future of Montenegro’s tourism and overall prosperity. Let’s hope for reform that prioritizes the people over profit.
Thanks Serge, as usual you have made me laugh, it is always very refreshing to read intelligent humour with a dark side plus you have made me feel so much better about my struggle to learn even a little simple Ukrainian! Happy to subscribe if I can work out how to do so....I have a substack account but no idea what the password is, if I indeed set one up, maybe senility setting in?! Keep writing please:)
wanted to add my perspective on the situation regarding Montenegro’s tourism costs, especially in light of recent changes since COVID-19. While it was once true that Montenegro offered a more affordable vacation compared to other European destinations, the landscape has shifted dramatically.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, we’ve seen rampant inflation affecting food prices, making it increasingly difficult for locals to afford basic necessities. The two dominant grocery chains appear to be engaged in price-fixing, creating a duopoly that effectively strangles the purchasing power of the 600,000 Montenegrins. This situation forces many to settle for poorer-quality food, which, as we know, can lead to serious health problems across generations.
The root of the issue lies not only in the oligarchs controlling the food market but also in the complicity of government officials, who seem to be turning a blind eye to the problem, likely even receiving pay-offs to block affordable food chains. By blocking the entry of discount chains like LIDL, which could provide competitive pricing and variety, they’re allowing this unhealthy status quo to persist. LIDL has given up trying apparently.
It’s disheartening to see how a few greedy individuals can impact the well-being of so many. The potential for significant change is there; if we could introduce more competition into the market, we could see prices drop back to reasonable levels, reflecting the actual cost of living in Montenegro. It’s crucial for both locals and tourists that we address this issue, as a healthy population is fundamental to the future of Montenegro’s tourism and overall prosperity. Let’s hope for reform that prioritizes the people over profit.
Thanks Serge, as usual you have made me laugh, it is always very refreshing to read intelligent humour with a dark side plus you have made me feel so much better about my struggle to learn even a little simple Ukrainian! Happy to subscribe if I can work out how to do so....I have a substack account but no idea what the password is, if I indeed set one up, maybe senility setting in?! Keep writing please:)