Jakov Milatović secured the presidency of Montenegro in April 2023 by winning 58.88 percent of the popular vote in a landslide victory against incumbent Milo Đukanović. Taking office at 36, he became the youngest person to hold the presidential title since the nation gained independence in 2006, marking a significant transition in the country's executive leadership.
Academic and Economic Foundations
Born in 1986 in Podgorica, Milatović pursued extensive international academic training in economics. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Montenegro before attending the University of Illinois System, the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and Sapienza University of Rome. He completed his MPhil at St John's College, Oxford, as a British Government Chevening Scholarship Fellow. His professional background includes roles at NLB Group Podgorica, Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, where he served as a principal economist for various European Union countries.
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From 2020 to 2022, Milatović served as the Minister of Economy. During this period, he implemented the Europe now economic reform program. This initiative was designed to boost the national minimum wage, reduce social contributions and tax burdens, and facilitate foreign direct investment. The policies aimed to accelerate Montenegro's integration into the European Union, contributing to the popularity of the reform movement among the public.
Ascension to the Presidency
Milatović entered the 2023 presidential race following the disqualification of a fellow candidate. His campaign focused on improving living standards and addressing corruption. Upon his inauguration on 20 May 2023, he established ambitious goals for Montenegro to achieve European Union accession by 2028. His foreign policy stance involves strong support for EU integration, sanctions against Russia regarding the war in Ukraine, and maintaining dialogue with minority communities within Montenegro.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Podgorica
- Education: University of Montenegro, University of Illinois, Sapienza University of Rome, Vienna University of Economics and Business, St John's College
- Minister of Economy: 2020-2022
- President of Montenegro: 2023-present
- Awards: Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Languages: Montenegrin, Serbian, English, Italian, Spanish
- Religion: Eastern Orthodoxy
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Milatović's foreign policy?
He prioritizes the accession of Montenegro to the European Union and supports the Open Balkan initiative.
What was the result of the 2023 presidential election?
Jakov Milatović won the run-off on 2 April 2023 with 58.88 percent of the popular vote.
Achievements
- Minister of Economy (2020–2022)
- President of Montenegro (from 2023)
- Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Educated at University of Montenegro and University of Illinois System
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