Patriotism is to do your best for your country, and the Europe movement now has a team for the long haul - brave, persistent and capable people. This was said by one of the leaders of that movement, Jakov Milatović, at last night's working meeting with members and activists of Europe Now, in the old Government building in Podgorica.
Europe will now participate in the elections in the capital under the slogan "ONLY STRONG". The event, as announced, was an opportunity to present the movement's plans for Podgorica, but also to make the start of the campaign official.
In his introductory speech, Milatović emphasized that "Europe now! has a team for the long haul, brave, persistent and capable people".
"We restored hope that there are people in Montenegro who work for their people, for all citizens of our Montenegro. It is not patriotism to hold the flag with one hand and grab for yourself from the city or state budget with the other! Patriotism is doing your best for your country. This is the time for new ideas, for new people," said Milatović.
Filip Ivanović thanked the present members and sympathizers for their support, emphasizing that they "not only filled this hall, but also the hearts of all of us who asked you to be part of the unstoppable change with your name, reputation, work and commitment, which will finally make our country truly the land of all of us".
He emphasized, as announced, that it is important that "tonight and tomorrow and every day we show courage, strength, unity and an unwavering will so that the defeated forces, no matter how washed and camouflaged they are, never again get the opportunity not only to lead our city or state, but not to shape our destiny and that of our descendants".
Milojko Spajić pointed out, as he said, the "hypocrisy of politicians" who criticize the "Europe Now" economic reform program, but "also use" the results of that program.
"I visited the Ministry of Finance wanting to gain an insight into the state of public finances, I also wanted to check the data on how many politicians have returned part of the 'over salary' that was made possible by the 'Europe Now' program. And there is one big zero," Spajić said.
"If we all make an effort, work, invest energy, desire, heart and soul into this, we can make a huge turnaround in the country and live with dignity," said one of the members of the Movement, Filip Radulović.
“People ask me why I bother, wouldn't it be easier to go back to the US? Of course it's easier, but this is still my hometown. My ancestors fought for this country and for their survival. I greatly appreciate that sacrifice and the least I can do is to try to give back, so that everyone in Montenegro would be better off," he concluded.
Andrej Milović said that "the elections in Podgorica are a turning point and the most important elections in the recent political history of Montenegro". He said that these are not elections for mayor, but "elections for or against DPS, for or against Đukanović". "We need to defeat them so that their loss of Podgorica will be the beginning of the disintegration of the DPS, after which no one can ever put it together again," he said.
Vasilije Čarapić said that Europe now represents a symbol of increasing the standard of living and the reform that the citizens of Montenegro have been waiting for decades, and that "now, as a Movement, it gives everyone a chance to gather around those who are the only ones who have delivered results to them so far" and a chance to create a social an environment in which work is valued and in which everyone has an equal chance for personal development and progress.
"We want to lead a policy of optimism and a policy of results instead of a policy of cynicism and empty promises," said Čarapić.
Anđela Jakšić Stojanović said that "Milatović and Spajić "showed that it is possible to keep one's word and fulfill the promise made to the citizens".
"It is an honor and a great pleasure to be in the Movement with people who have not only the vision, but also the knowledge, skills and competencies to make this country better and more beautiful for all of us. With people who love their country, and prove their patriotism exclusively through their work, justice, responsibility and dedication," she concluded.
Branka Marković pointed out that the Europe program has now "shown that everything is possible", and that it is a burden on the budget only when "you are struggling to fill your pockets, to steal as much as possible". She also said that Podgorica and Montenegro need those who will know how to manage institutions with their knowledge and strengthen the rule of law, enable a better educational system and encourage the development of a democratic society, as a society of equal opportunities.
In his final address, Milatović called on all those present to vote freely because "although in the previous 30 years we were held hostage by domestic politicians and tycoons close to them - the spark of freedom lives in every citizen".
"Citizens had the opportunity to speak with the speakers, who sent messages that this is the time, the time of great changes, of historic elections, and that Podgorica will get an educated and honest mayor after them," the announcement concludes.
The Europe movement now stated that more than 400 membership cards were handed out at last night's meeting.
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