The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, by deciding not to sign the Law on Real Estate Tax, has once again shown his unwillingness to act in accordance with the interests of all citizens, free from political and personal influences, announced the President of the Municipality of Tuzi, Lindon Đeljaj.
Of particular concern, he said, is the fact that such behavior comes at a time when it is clear that the 2021 amendments to the law "are aimed at directly undermining the financial stability of the Municipality of Tuzi."
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"I believe that this is an institutional pressure that goes beyond the framework of lawful and constitutional action, and which, instead of being in the service of citizens, potentially benefits narrow interest structures. In this context, the question rightly arises: is the president of the state acting in the interests of all citizens of Montenegro - or privileged individuals," Đeljaj said.
"It is particularly absurd that this approach is directed towards a municipality on whose territory more than 70% of the land of one of the largest state-owned companies – 'Plantaža' is located. Instead of depriving the Municipality of Tuzi of revenue, the president should ask questions of public importance: how was 'Plantaža' enabled to become the owner of so much land? If he does not consider this relevant, then he should at least be interested in how it is possible that a company with so many resources has been operating with millions in losses for years, without any responsibility," he adds.
Đeljaj says that the Municipality of Tuzi, while state institutions "tolerate this kind of business and lack of transparency", is being punished - by being denied "the legal right to tax that is due to it", which further hinders its development and prevents the implementation of key projects for the benefit of citizens.
"The Municipality of Tuzi will not give up the fight for equal treatment and protection of its revenues, as they represent the basis for the development of our community. We expect the competent institutions, including the Special State Prosecutor's Office, to address this issue and examine all the circumstances surrounding the adoption and implementation of such decisions," he said.
Đeljaj said that, "in accordance with the law and the will of the Assembly," they will continue to insist on the re-adoption of the law.
"The fight for the institutional and financial independence of the Municipality of Tuzi is not a political issue - it is a matter of principle, responsibility and the future of all citizens," the statement reads.
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