The coalition consisting of the Europe Now Movement and the Socialist People's Party (SNP) would choose partners for the future government in Berane based on programs focused on the economy, education and infrastructure.
This is what the holder of the PES/SNP list said in an interview with "Vijesta" in the local elections in Berane Djole Lutovac.
He said that apart from those key criteria for cooperation, he will insist on agreements that imply full transparency in the management of the Municipality.
Lutovac believes that his coalition will succeed in winning the majority of votes in the elections in Berane on December 8 and announces that their first step will be an analysis of the budget and the state of municipal finances. He also announces that he will solve the debts of the Municipality through a combination of reprogramming and increasing revenues through better collection of local fees and taxes.
"We also expect great help from the Government, which means that we will start a dialogue with the state authorities, in order to find a solution to reduce interest obligations or write off part of the debt", said Lutovac, reminding that at the end of 2022, the municipality's debt for taxes and contributions was over 15 million euros. According to data from the Tax Administration, the municipality of Berane is one of the most indebted local governments, along with Cetinje, Bijelo Polje, Rožaje and Ulcinj.
What result do you expect in the elections in Berane?
I am sure that our coalition will succeed in winning the majority, thanks above all to the credible people on our list, whom our fellow citizens know very well as good colleagues and neighbors, responsible professionals in various professions, whom they can trust and who keep their word.
Also, the program we presented is not a promotion of a "wish list" in the pre-election campaign, but a serious development strategy that we will implement. We know very well what is key that is missing or possibly hindering development in all segments - from the household's relationship to finances to capital projects, especially infrastructural ones.
That is why we expect the support of all generations, especially young people, who follow our vision of progress and see an opportunity to stay and a chance to get a job, open private companies or engage in tourism and other economic branches in their city. We will try to become the best municipality for the development of new technologies with new generations of IT experts.
The results at the state level show the determination and commitment to fulfill what we promised. In that part, I would mention salary and pension increases as well as projects that are already being implemented, especially in the part of the road infrastructure in the north. In cooperation with the Government, already next year, we will invest four million euros in infrastructure projects. For us, Berane is in the first place and our goal is to restore its status as the center of the northern region. That is why we expect the best result in the upcoming local elections. What I am sure of, which is why my fellow citizens trust me, the new local administration will work responsibly, transparently and dedicatedly in the service of the citizens for the next four years.
Why did you decide to enter into a coalition with the SNP, given that the PES participated with the Democrats in several local elections?
At the local level, we know best which party we should go into a coalition with, so in Budva and Podgorica it was the Democrats, and in Berane it was the SNP. It is known that we are in a coalition with the SNP at the state level, we share common values and development goals, and what is very important - we have the great trust of the citizens. Our primary goal is to manage Berane responsibly and efficiently.
With which parties would you form a possible post-election coalition?
Our goal is, above all, to form a stable government based on democratic principles and with maximum respect for the electoral will of the citizens. We are open to cooperation with political subjects who share our vision of the development of Beran and who are ready to join our reform course. The key criteria for cooperation will be programs focused on the economy, education and infrastructure. Also, we will insist on agreements that imply full transparency in the management of the Municipality.
What are the first steps your coalition will take if it takes over the management of Berane?
Our first step will be an analysis of the budget and state of municipal finances, in order to get a clear picture of current obligations and opportunities. In addition, we will pay special attention to solving the debt problem of the Municipality, through negotiations with the state and the implementation of stricter controls on the spending of budget funds. In parallel, we will complete the started projects and immediately start the implementation of priority infrastructure projects, such as improving the local road network and improving water supply. Transparency will be key - citizens will have insight into the work of municipal services and companies, as well as into all plans and decisions of the local government.
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?
I have to say that I am very worried about the almost halving of the population in the city itself, but also in Beran villages, in the last ten years. It is a very serious problem and is on the list of priorities for finding a solution, as it requires an immediate response. That's why we are planning to start a program to support young families, we will increase subsidies for housing, start building housing facilities where they will be able to buy an apartment on favorable terms. We will take special care of entrepreneurs and determine funds for support when establishing small and medium-sized enterprises. Also, we will work to attract investments and create new jobs. We will also focus on improving the working conditions in schools and kindergartens, we will influence the opening of new courses in secondary schools, which are recognized by the labor market. These are just some of the moves that are most important at this moment, so that we all start a new and prosperous path together. By creating favorable conditions for living and working, we hope to encourage young people to stay, but also to return to Berane.
The municipality of Berane is among the municipalities with the largest tax debts. How do you plan to reduce that debt?
We will solve the debts through a combination of reprogramming and increasing revenue through better collection of local fees and taxes. We also expect a lot of help from the Government, which means that we will start a dialogue with the state authorities, in order to find a solution to reduce interest obligations or write off part of the debt. Also, we will focus on attracting investments that will generate additional income for the municipality. By introducing modern technologies into the municipal administration, we will reduce unnecessary costs and increase efficiency. Transparency in the spending of public funds will ensure that every euro of the citizens of Beran, which is in the municipal coffers, is directed as intended.
What do you think should be done with Beran airport and airstrip?
Beranski Aerodrom is a multi-decade story that was mainly used through election campaigns and as we all know very well - no one who has promised anything about that project has ever implemented anything. We are all aware that it has potential, above all in passenger traffic. However, these are large investments that require special elaborations, but I am sure that this will also be the case in the next 4 years.
For now, instead of closing the runway, we will focus on its revitalization and controlled use. We will take all safety measures to prevent incidents like car racing where many have lost their lives...
We are convinced that with responsible management, safety can be achieved for certain activities, which would be both useful and profitable. In cooperation with sports clubs and the Tourist Organization, through the development of air sports, the organization of sports events and the promotion of local attractions, it could become an attractive space that would bring in income.
How do you plan to solve the problem of the closed bus station in Berane?
The bus station will be part of a wider strategy for the development of transport infrastructure. We plan to restore it, through cooperation with the private sector. By investing in the modernization of the Bus Station, we will ensure its operation in accordance with the needs of citizens and tourists. In addition, the station can become a transport center that will connect Berane with the rest of Montenegro and the region.
We will talk to the owners of the temporary structures
How do you plan to solve the problem of owners of temporary buildings scheduled for demolition due to the construction of the Lidl market?
We will talk to the owners of the temporary structures to find a fair and sustainable solution. In parallel, we will ensure that the Lidl project brings maximum benefits to the community, including new jobs. It is important to us that all stakeholders are satisfied and that the project is realized without harming local interests. Transparency and dialogue will be key in solving this problem.
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