Holder of the election list of Democratic Montenegro in the local elections in Berane, Bozo Premovic, assessed that they will strive to form a stable government in that city and that their potential partners will only be parties that form a majority with them at the state level and that clearly distance themselves from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS).
"At the same time, we are completely clear in our position - we will not allow organizations and individuals who directly participated in causing the crisis and artificially calling early elections to enter the future municipal government. Those who, together with the DPS, worked against the interests of the citizens, have nothing to ask for in the government we want to form," Premović said in an interview with "Vijesta".
He pointed out that the focus will be on the development of local infrastructure, support for agriculture and mountain tourism, creating opportunities for new jobs, strengthening social services, and that they have solutions for the most current problems.
The elections in Berane will be held on December 8.
What result do you expect in the elections in Berane?
Democratic Montenegro also goes to the elections in Berane independently, remaining consistent with its principle of responsible and transparent action. With this, we once again show that we believe in our strength and in the trust of the citizens that we have earned through our work. As the only stable and responsible partner in the previous ruling majorities, behind us are the results of which we are proud and which are visible to everyone in Berane.
The citizens of Beran know who worked for them, who made decisions in the interest of everyone, not privileged individuals, and who never cooperated with the DPS and betrayed the will of the citizens of Montenegro and Beran.
We expect Democratic Montenegro to be the decisive political force in the Berane Municipal Assembly after the elections, because we believe in the wisdom and trust of the citizens.
According to the results of the last census, the number of inhabitants in Berane decreased compared to that of 2011. What projects do you plan to start in order to stop this negative trend?
Berane has been neglected by the central authorities for too long, and we are feeling the consequences of this through population decline, economic challenges and limited opportunities for development. However, with faith in our vision and commitment, under the slogan "We preserve our roots, we build Berane", we clearly say: this is the moment for a turnaround.
That is why we will focus on: Development of local infrastructure - because there is no progress without roads, a quality network and modern facilities. We will use the highway, which will further bring Berane closer to Podgorica, as an opportunity to position ourselves as the economic, trade and logistics center of the north.
Support for agriculture and mountain tourism - Berane has fertile land and untouched nature that can become the basis for successful agrotourism and sustainable development. We will create support programs for farmers and investors to create new jobs and bring life back to rural areas.
Creating opportunities for new jobs - by developing service activities, small businesses and trade, we will create Berane as a hub for seven neighboring municipalities, offering our fellow citizens jobs with decent wages and stability.
But Berane is not only an economic center - our fellow citizens want a city that offers quality life, a place where people are happy to stay and where families can reunite. That is why we will also work on the development of culture and social content - we will invest in cultural institutions, sports facilities and entertainment facilities in order to make Berane an attractive place to live.
Strengthening social services - education, health and family support will be at the center of our policy because we want each of our fellow citizens to feel safe and cared for.
Under the slogan "We preserve our roots, we build Berane", we not only want to preserve the traditions and values that make us special, but we also want to create a city that develops, attracts people and provides opportunities. We believe in the strength of Beran, in the work of our fellow citizens and in the future that we will build together.
The municipality of Berane is among the municipalities with the largest tax debts. How do you plan to reduce debt?
We are clearly determined to face all challenges, including the debt problem of the Municipality of Berana, which has hindered its development for too long.
In the previous two years, Damjan Ćulafić, the current minister, and then the vice-president of the municipality, worked responsibly to remedy this problem. Thanks to the measures he initiated and implemented, the Municipality of Berane in a short time managed to pay back over one million euros in debt. This was the result of a responsible and rational policy, which did not neglect the needs of citizens, but showed that the public interest must be put before all others.
Unfortunately, when we started to show that it is possible to do things differently - responsibly, transparently and in the interest of everyone - we faced a political crisis. Because success is obviously not forgiven, especially when it threatens interests that have nothing to do with the public good.
By rational spending of the budget, in order to reduce debts without jeopardizing the basic functioning of municipal services, transparent financial management, development of the local economy and increase in income.
What do you think should be done with Beran airport and airstrip? A street racing problem almost led to a fatal accident? Do you think that the runway should be closed or do you have a plan for its valorization?
The topic of the Berane airport and airstrip is often brought up again, but most often as a political story on the eve of the elections, especially from those who just pass through Berane, let alone spent the night in Berane.
We all know that the stories about a large commercial airport in Berane were never based on reality. Today, in the idea phase, we have several options that can really contribute to the valorization of this space, including transformation for the needs of protection and rescue services or the development of sports aviation. Regardless of the final plans, one thing is certain - they must be realistic, without megalomania and without endangering the lives and property of the local population.
Decades of unplanned and ineffective management have led us to the fact that today the runway is mainly used as a recreational area, but also, unfortunately, an unsecured track for illegal races. The latest incident almost resulted in a fatality, and that is something we cannot and will not tolerate. That's why we reacted immediately with intensive cooperation with the police and a physical blockade of the approach to the runway. Regardless of elections, coalitions or agreements, our absolute priority is the safety of all citizens who use this space.
How do you plan to solve the problem of the closed bus station in Berane?
It is unacceptable and inadmissible that Berane, as a regional center, has not had a functional bus station for years. It is not only a question of traffic infrastructure, but also a question of the dignity of our city and citizens. The situation in which we have only one intercity stop, which looks more like a city transport station than a serious regional hub, is a shameful result of dubious and, unfortunately, disastrous privatization.
However, we will not stand idly by waiting for solutions from others. Berane deserves a functional and modern bus station, because it is a key step in positioning our city as the center of the north-east of Montenegro. Within my competences, I have already taken steps to return the area of the former station to the property of the Municipality of Berana. Our goal is clear: to start this area as soon as possible and provide citizens with a modern and functional station, which our city deserves.
How do you plan to solve the problem of private entrepreneurs who are the owners of premises scheduled for demolition due to the construction of the Lidl market? What measures would you take to help their survival on the market?
I believe that the problem surrounding the bars scheduled for demolition is unnecessarily exaggerated in the public eye and that the protests, unfortunately, have become a means of political pressure ahead of the elections. I don't want to get into the motives of individuals who do not meet even the minimum of their obligations to the municipality and the state, but the public must know the facts: everything that is done is done in the interest of the citizens of Beran and the entrepreneurs themselves.
The land sale process was conducted completely transparently, with clearly defined terms and deadlines for relocation, with which all stakeholders, including tenants of market spaces, were informed in time. As the President of the Municipality of Berana, I have the responsibility to fulfill the obligations assumed from the purchase contract. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in large penalties for the municipal budget or, even worse, the termination of the contract with Lidl - which would mean the loss of a significant investment that can bring jobs and boost the local economy.
With which parties would you form a possible post-election coalition?
It is certain that as the future strongest political factor in Berane, we will strive to form a stable government that will not depend on individuals whose motive for engaging in politics is solely personal interest.
Our potential partners are all political parties that, together with Democratic Montenegro, form the majority at the state level and that clearly distance themselves from DPS. Because, let's not forget - DPS is not only a political opponent, but a symbol of politics that destroyed Berane, impoverished citizens and destroyed the perspective of young generations. Such a policy has no place in the future of Aries.
At the same time, we are completely clear in our position - we will not allow organizations and individuals who directly participated in causing the crisis and artificially calling early elections to enter the future municipal government. Those who, together with the DPS, worked against the interests of the citizens have nothing to ask for in the government that we want to form.
The budget should be a key tool for the city's prosperity
What are the first steps your coalition will take if it takes over the management of Berane?
Democratic Montenegro is not new to the Beran political scene - we have taken root here, and our goal is clear: we are directing all our potential towards building a better, stronger Beran. Our vision is not fleeting, nor is it related only to elections. We work daily and transparently, so that the citizens of Beran can already see the benefits of our involvement.
If we take over the management of Berane, the first steps will be aimed at continuing the implementation of already prepared projects, which unfortunately have been stopped due to the artificially induced political crisis.
Considering that the elections are coming at the stage of preparation of the new municipal budget, we are already working on its preparation. Our goal is for the municipal budget, with the strong support of the capital budget of Montenegro, to become a key tool for the economic, infrastructural and social prosperity of Beran. Through careful planning and responsible spending of funds, we will create conditions for opening new jobs, improving public services and creating a better environment for life.
Our focus is on stability, progress and prosperity. With experience, a clear vision and concrete plans, we continue to work for the city and its citizens, because Berane deserves a government that will build them, not divide them. We preserve the roots, we build Berane.
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