After the historic change of the three-decade government, the citizens rightly expected that there would be a fundamental turnaround and a departure from the harmful policies and practices that brought them to the brink of existence, undermined the international reputation of Montenegro and brought our country to the border of social peace, where crime and corruption was everyday.
Unfortunately, after the positive initial momentum, our society is once again facing challenges.
Political control and additional collapse of the institutions of the system instead of their strengthening, economic populism instead of sustainable reforms, continuation of party employment instead of the promised meritocracy, irresponsible management of state resources, including an attempt to sell them off, instead of protecting the public interest, bad decisions that threaten to jeopardize the historic chance to become full member of the European Union until 2028. All of the above still prevents Montenegro from moving forward, towards a more prosperous future for all its citizens.
However, with the historic change of the former government, and the free election processes that followed, we still opened the door to a new era for our country - an era in which citizens realized that they have the freedom and power to decide their own future.
Big changes require big and bold decisions.
I have proven many times so far that, when democratic processes require assuming responsibility, I did not run away from it, especially not in key moments that had a significant impact on the further democratic development of Montenegro. First, as Minister of Economic Development, in the first Government after the change of government, in one of the most difficult moments for our economy, I contributed to the recovery of our economy, improved the living standards of citizens and laid the foundations for development based on innovation and knowledge.
As the leader of the list in the local elections in Podgorica, I made a key contribution to the removal of the long-standing government and the continuation of democratic processes in the country. And when it was the most difficult, I entered the election race for the president of the country, and achieved an important victory - which rounded off the transition of power and established a new phase of democratic development in Montenegro.
Now as the President of Montenegro, I have shown that exclusively state interest, along with overall social progress, has always been the main guide of my political and professional activity.
That is why even today, as a responsible man, a politician and a native of Podgorica, I cannot stand by and watch the collapse of hope for change. I feel an obligation to be involved in the upcoming election process, and provide an additional contribution to make Podgorica a better place to live - a city where resources will be managed efficiently, fairly, responsibly and transparently, with a focus on sustainable and long-term development.
As someone who grew up and who is connected to Podgorica for life, who shares the daily concerns of this city, but also as someone who has already been elected by the citizens of Podgorica to lead our city, I feel an additional responsibility to help this city stand side by side with the most developed European metropolises.
The upcoming elections in Podgorica represent the first step on the way to the recovery of political conditions, not only in the capital, but also in the whole of Montenegro. These elections are an opportunity for citizens to clearly express their position in a democratic way and, I'm sure, to stop and punish the bad and non-transparent policies that we witness every day.
It is crucial that we all show maturity and determination together, electing those who will consistently work in favor of changes for the better. This implies strengthening the institutions of the system, not their collapse; sustainable reforms and not economic populism; meritocracy and not party employment; public interest and not private.
I am convinced that it is easy to recognize a responsible policy that is directed towards real progress and a better future for all of us. Citizens are the only ones who have the power to determine the future direction in which our city and our country will move.
Because Podgorica deserves better, because Montenegro deserves better!
The author is the President of Montenegro
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