Nimanbegu: The central government has taken control of development processes in municipalities, we welcome the reaction of Kosovo...

The central government, ignoring the views and interests of local communities, has taken control of development processes in municipalities, thereby violating the principles of decentralization and democratic governance, the Mayor of Ulcinj Municipality, Genci Nimanbegu, announced today.

"We welcome the reaction of Ms. Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission, who publicly pointed out the worrying aspects of the Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the United Arab Emirates. Her willingness to stand up for the principles of transparency, legality and public interest represents an important message to all citizens of Montenegro, and especially to us in Ulcinj, who are at the center of this contentious process. We also express our gratitude to the President of Montenegro, Mr. Jakov Milatović, who sent an official letter to Ms. Kos and thus made an important contribution to opening this issue in the European institutions," Nimanbegu emphasized in a statement.

He added that "the entire process, starting from the adoption of the Program of Temporary Facilities in the Coastal Zone for the period 2024-2028 without the participation and consent of coastal municipalities, to the signing of the controversial Agreement with investors from the United Arab Emirates, is a textbook example of a violation of the constitutionally guaranteed right to local self-government."

"The central government, ignoring the views and interests of local communities, has taken control of development processes in municipalities, thereby violating the principles of decentralization and democratic governance. This approach not only threatens the autonomy of local self-governments, but also undermines citizens' trust in institutions that are supposed to protect their interests. We consider it equally important that the dimension of protecting the rights of minority peoples is not neglected in this case. The way in which the entire process is being conducted directly affects the municipality of Ulcinj. Ignoring legal obligations regarding consultations with minority representatives, as well as taking measures that may change the population structure, represents a serious step backwards for the multiethnic character of Montenegro," said Nimanbegu.

He said that the Law on Minority Rights and Freedoms explicitly prohibits such measures.

"Not only was the local government not consulted, but the right to institutional dialogue was brutally interrupted in parliament, despite the clearly defined mechanisms provided for by the law. Therefore, we once again call on all relevant international institutions and partners to view this case as a whole — not only as a matter of economics and ecology, but also as a serious challenge to minority rights, citizens' rights to local self-government and the principles of democratic governance. Ulcinj asks for nothing more than respect for the law, dignity and equality," Nimanbegu stated.