Innovations in the Highway Law to preserve the tax system.
"The new highway law will preserve our tax system"
Ines Mrdović from Action for Social Justice points out that the new Highway Law will preserve the tax system of Montenegro. This law will prevent money laundering by foreign companies.
Ines Mrdović from the Action for Social Justice stated that the innovative Highway Law will preserve the tax and fiscal system of Montenegro. According to her, this law will eliminate the possibility of foreign companies taking money out of the country.
Mrdović pointed out that during the construction of the first section of the highway, Montenegro lost more than 267 million euros in revenue due to the privileges received by foreign companies, especially Chinese ones. She stated that the Chinese had unrealistic demands for tax refunds and that they received wages that were seven times higher than the average in Montenegro.
The government has proposed changes to the Highway Act, according to which foreign workers engaged in the project will not be exempt from paying taxes and contributions to mandatory social insurance. Mrdović assessed that it is a good decision that will further preserve the tax system.
She emphasized that it is necessary to eliminate the possibility that the earnings of foreign companies become a model for extracting money from Montenegro. Mrdović pointed out that fiscal exemptions during the construction of the first section reached significant amounts, including more than 49 million euros based on import VAT and customs duties.
According to her, excise taxes on fuel amounted to 11 million, while VAT exceeded 170 million euros. Also, salary contributions reached 36 million euros. Mrdović pointed out that these data are an indicator of the seriousness of the problems that existed during previous projects.
In 2018, when the works on the section from Smokovac to Mateševo were the most intensive, the Chinese contractor showed costs based on earnings of 109 million euros. Mrdović stated that 1,654 people were hired then, most of whom were foreign nationals.
She pointed out that foreign workers had an average salary of 5,500 euros, while the average salary in Montenegro at that time was 770 euros. Mrdović added that managerial salaries were nine times higher, which further indicates the inequality in payments.
In addition, Mrdović mentioned that the Chinese demanded a refund of VAT on equipment for workers' recreation, which, according to her, was inappropriate. The law clearly stipulates that exemptions from VAT are allowed only for costs directly related to the construction of the highway.
She emphasized that other aspects of the law need to be reviewed to ensure that similar problems do not arise in the future. Mrdović pointed out that it is important that all expenses and earnings are clearly recorded and that legal frameworks are respected.
According to her, the innovations in the Highway Law represent a step towards greater transparency and responsibility in the business of foreign companies. Mrdović added that it is important that Montenegro does not face similar challenges in future infrastructure projects.
She called on all relevant institutions to get involved in the process of monitoring and controlling the implementation of the new law. Mrdović emphasized that cooperation between state authorities and civil society is key to the success of these reforms.
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