Čvorović for "Vijesti": Divisions are offered by those who have nothing else to do

Identity divisions only benefit those who have nothing else to offer citizens, and now is the time to focus on the economy, education, health, and a better standard of living.

This was told to "Vijesti" by the leader of the Party of European Progress (SEP) list in the upcoming elections in Nikšić, Nikola Cvorovic.

He stated in an interview that their priority is to create a favorable business environment in the city under Trebjes, that the renewal of industry there is possible with smart planning, and that they are going to the polls to change the "irresponsible and incompetent government."

"Based on our program, partners can be those parties that want changes for the progress of Nikšić. Nikšić should be a civic and European-profiled city - I believe that this framework leaves enough room for a healthy and programmatic partnership after the elections," said Čvorović.

The elections in Nikšić are scheduled for April 13. In addition to SEP, eight other political options will participate in them: the citizens' groups "Work for my city - Dr. Borislav Mišo Đurišić" and "Wake up Nikšić", then "European Alliance - The best you can do! - Ivan Radojičić (SDP, SD, LP and citizens)", "Hurrah - Different! - Dušan Golović", "For the future of Nikšić - Know Nikšić! We continue! - Marko Kovačević", Democrats/Plenum 083 - "We are all Nikšić! - Nemanja Vuković", "Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro - Fight for Nikšić - Boris Muratović" and the Europe Now Movement - "Healthy Nikšić - Dr. Zoran Mrkić".

The founder of SEP, Duško Marković, is someone who has been one of the leading figures in the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) for decades. Do you believe that “connecting” SEP with DPS will help or hinder your party in the elections?

SEP is a new political force, with a clear vision of the development of Nikšić and Montenegro. Our politics are not based on labeling and divisions, but on a political offer that will bring concrete changes. Duško Marković is an experienced politician who has contributed to the development of Montenegro, as well as to SEP, as one of the founders. Already today, SEP is an authentic political organization that is building its own identity and policies oriented towards the future, economic growth and a European perspective.

The list is called “Time for Nikšić”. What is the first thing the list you lead would do in the city, what project would it implement, if you were able to make decisions at the local level? How much money and time would it take you to implement it?

Our priority is to create a favorable business environment for new jobs, through encouraging entrepreneurship and investment. Within a year, we can achieve measurable results, and we would provide funds for these projects through better fiscal policy of the Municipality, but also through the use of EU funds. Also, it is necessary to urgently solve critical infrastructure problems, primarily the rehabilitation of local roads, sewage and water supply, especially in more remote parts of the city.

To achieve these goals, it is necessary that as a society we overcome the divisions that the current government offers and actualizes every day. Only by acting together can we overcome the serious adversities that Nikšić faces at every turn, and that is what SEP offers.

The census showed that Nikšić has lost 12 thousand inhabitants in 5,7 years. How would you stop the displacement and departure of young people and after how long do you expect the results to be visible?

The best way to stop the youth exodus is to create conditions for quality living and work. This means new jobs, better infrastructure, affordable housing, quality education and healthcare. Within four years, with the right measures, we can see a significant positive shift in the demographic picture of Nikšić.

Nikšić was once an industrial city, but years ago, industry was only a memory. Is it possible to open new factories, if so, which factories would they be and how much money and time would be needed to start production?

The restoration of industrial production is possible, but with smart planning. Our Nikšić has the potential to develop a processing industry based on modern technologies, such as metal processing, the wood industry and the food sector. Of course, we must valorize the enormous potential in agriculture and rural tourism. With appropriate investments and attracting credible business partners, as well as generous support for domestic entrepreneurs, the first results can be quickly visible. We have seen where borrowing for consumption has led us. If this money had supported entrepreneurial projects, we would have a completely different picture today and the youth of Nikšić would not be leaving with their bellies to fend for themselves.

It seems that without identity/national issues and counting “blood cells” we cannot or do not want to. How do we stop this narrative and turn to real life?

It is time to focus on the economy, education, health and a better standard of living. Identity divisions only benefit those who have nothing else to offer citizens. We bring together people of all nationalities and religions, because our goal is the common future of Nikšić and Montenegro. We do not divide citizens on any basis, nor will we do so. Montenegro must be a state of all citizens, and our Constitution guarantees this. We should respect and implement it while adopting a European way of thinking, which means a new quality in every social sphere.

The Mislov do landfill, one of the biggest black spots in the city under Trebjes, has been closed, but the waste is being transported to Podgorica, which requires a lot of money. How can the waste problem be solved, in how much time and with how much money could it be done?

It is urgently necessary to find a permanent solution through the construction of a regional waste management center, with the support of European funds. Such a project could be quickly implemented if there were a responsible and capable local government. Today, energy and raw materials are produced from waste, instead of suffocating in waste. It is time for such an approach, that is, it is time for a new and more responsible, responsible local government in Nikšić.

Party recruitment has become a common practice in local administration and local businesses for decades. Will you address this issue? If so, how would you address it, and if not, why not?

Absolutely we will. Professionalization of public administration is key. Employment must be based on knowledge and expertise, not party affiliation.

It seems that the problem of the Steel Plant, after failed and unsuccessful privatizations, has not been solved even by leasing the Steel Plant and Forge to a company from Switzerland. Do you think that this contract should be terminated?

Jobs that do not produce results should be reviewed and, if obligations are not met, such contracts should be terminated. The interests of workers and the city must be a priority.

The municipality of Nikšić has been facing financial problems for years and is using assistance from the Equalization Fund. Why is this so and how efficient is the local government in collecting local taxes?

The problem lies in poor planning and revenue collection. Fiscal discipline is needed in an environment of better and more professional service for citizens and the economy, as well as attracting investments that will increase the Municipality's revenues.

Partners can be those who want Nikšić to progress.

Which parties/movements would you, specifically, possibly cooperate with after the elections, and which ones would you not?

We are running for election to change an irresponsible and incompetent government. Based on our program, partners can be those parties that want changes for the progress of Nikšić. Nikšić should be a civic and European-profiled city - I believe that this framework leaves enough room for a healthy and programmatic partnership after the elections.

The advantage is that I'm not famous, I don't look for an existence from politics.

You are someone who is little known to the general public in the town under Trebjes, do you see that as an advantage or a disadvantage?

I consider this an advantage, because I am not burdened by old political structures and divisions. I am focused on concrete problems of citizens and offer solutions. Our list brings together people who are ready to work, and not to engage in political bargaining and empty promises.

I have earned my livelihood and that of my family over the course of almost two decades of working abroad, without patronage, without connections, without parties. I have invested all the money I have earned in my business in Montenegro, and with 20 hardworking and dedicated employees we contribute to our families and society as a whole. I do not ask politics for my livelihood, but to build a society in which our children would not have to go abroad to fight for their way in life. We can do that and I want to make my contribution.