Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The Ministry of Finance has stated that the budget surplus achieved in January is real, adding that there is no manipulation of data.

“Due to some tendentious and inaccurate interpretations of official, timely published data from the Ministry of Finance, we appeal to all media professionals to present official reports objectively,” the Ministry stated in a press release.

The Ministry explained that Montenegro achieved a surplus of two million EUR in January this year, as confirmed by official data.

“The surplus is real, and expenditure was €14.1 million higher in January this year than in last year’s corresponding period, primarily due to a significant increase in social transfers – pensions, social benefits, and the like,” the Ministry stated.

According to the press release, the reason for the surplus is not non-payment of obligations, as all financial commitments are being settled on time, within their due deadlines.