The Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) expressed "serious concern" over the holding of a session of the Kotor Municipal Assembly, whose mandate has expired, on Thursday.
They warned that making such decisions represents a "direct undermining of the democratic order and the principles of the lawful functioning of local self-government."
The old convocation of the Kotor Municipal Assembly proposed Vladimir Jokić for mayor and the adoption of a decision on temporary financing. The agenda of the session, which will be scheduled for Thursday under urgent procedure, includes three items - the election of the mayor, the Decision on temporary financing of budget users of the Kotor municipality, and the election and appointments.
"The Ministry appeals to all decision-makers, at all levels of government, to align their actions with the Constitution and fundamental democratic principles, in order to preserve the legal order and the rule of law. We particularly emphasize the need for the competent authorities to take appropriate measures within their jurisdiction as soon as possible, in order to systematically resolve the crisis in the functioning of local self-governments," the statement reads.
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The MPA reminds that in the previous period, they have repeatedly warned about the risk of creating negative practices, and called on the competent institutions to find solutions to overcome institutional and political challenges in the functioning of local self-governments through dialogue and concrete joint initiatives.
"Such a practice, which is spreading like a wave from municipality to municipality, is already producing serious legal and political consequences, creating a dangerous precedent that threatens the legitimacy of the electoral process, the expressed will of citizens and the right to local self-government. The Ministry of Public Administration will continue to act consistently, responsibly and in the interest of protecting the legality, stability of the local self-government system and the rights of all citizens of Montenegro, within its competence," it was announced.
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