Nikolić for "Vijesti": We don't need a boss, but a professional and honest government

The holder of the electoral list of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the local elections in Nikšić, Željko Nikolić, assessed that this party is too different from the others participating in the elections to be able to form a pre-election coalition with anyone, but that after the elections they can and want to talk with parts of both the current opposition and the current government.

"You know that the SDP has been in opposition to the DPS government for a long time, at the local level for even longer, and now to the state government, which indicates significant differences in the perception of political goals or the way to achieve them. The SDP, as the only one not supported by any power center, be it criminal, media or from another country, had to provide the citizens with an offer that is an authentic expression of civil and free Nikšić", said Nikolić in an interview with "Vijesti".

The very atmosphere on the eve of the elections, which, in addition to causing unrest, shows complete disregard for the citizens, and the only focus is on Nikšić as a prey, is deeply offensive to our fellow citizens. I believe that everyone will have the strength and wisdom to resist external pressures and not to do anything that would make it impossible for us to live in Nikšić as we have until now. It is much more important than the result of any game

He pointed out that an alternative to the bad one-party government in Nikšić is necessary in the form of civil parties dedicated to Montenegro, "not only Vučić's servants and their partners".

The Social Democratic Party performs independently, under the slogan "Heart for Nikšić".

Many associate SDP with DPS. That party said that, if necessary, they are ready to discuss a coalition with the SDP after the elections. With whom are you ready for post-election cooperation, and with whom are you not?

I do not agree with the "question". Many also see URA as a "repackaged" Pozitivna, behind which, like Pozitivna, stands "Vijesti" - they see it as a partner of DF in (Aleksandar) Vučić's "fight for Nikšič". We remember those same people who came to Nikšić in 2012 when they sang songs to Darko Pajović. At that time, their condition for coalition partners was to "recognize" the genocide in Srebrenica, and now it is not a condition even for the holder of the list. You know that four years ago we did not participate in the local elections, when opposition colleagues were arrested, with whom we have opposite views, but we defended the principle. Gratitude, as we see, did not last long. Nevertheless, we can cooperate, especially on the local level, on specific issues, with most parties in Montenegro. The only thing is that we cannot work with those who have ceased to be an autonomous political subject in Montenegro, not because we do not share political views - we have not until now, but because the border has been grossly crossed and cooperation with those who are tools in the hands of Seselj's students cannot be . We can and want to talk with parts of both the current opposition and the current government.

As the elections draw nearer, tensions are rising. Who is it for?

I have already invited the holders of all electoral lists in Nikšić to contribute together to calm the tensions and help so that, since these elections will certainly not be a holiday of democracy, at least they will take place in a peaceful and dignified manner. Unfortunately, I did not receive an answer, neither formally, nor did I notice a change in behavior. Bringing unrest can only be in the interest of someone who sees Nikšić as prey, and we must fight against that, wherever such people come from.

What does the SDP offer to the people of Nikšić and why should citizens vote for you?

The SDP, unlike the others, offers the most important thing - that the men and women of Nikšić decide about Nikšić, that the fate of our city is in our hands. In order for us to be able to discuss concrete policies at all, the condition is that we really decide on it. We offer conscientious and homely management, because Nikšić does not need a boss, but responsible, professional and honest management. Not the kind of government we've had until now, and especially not the regent's kind that Vučić intended for it.

What election result do you hope for, your message to the citizens of Nikšić?

I am convinced that the SDP, as an authentic representative of the free and civil Nikšić, will achieve a good result. But, above all, I expect that the elections will take place without consequences greater than those we have today. That is the most important thing, at least for us who plan to continue living in Nikšić. The very atmosphere on the eve of the elections, which, in addition to causing unrest, shows complete disregard for the citizens, and the only focus is on Nikšić as a prey, is deeply offensive to our fellow citizens. I believe that everyone will have the strength and wisdom to resist external pressures and not to do anything that would make it impossible for us to live in Nikšić as we have until now. It is much more important than the result of any game.