"I do not agree with party interests treating local communities as party strongholds," said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.
The Public Relations Office of the President of Montenegro announced that Milatović attended the ceremony marking the Day of the Municipality of Herceg Novi.
"At the beginning, I would like to give one recognition to the municipal leadership for forming the chamber orchestra. You have set an example for all other municipalities on how to preserve culture. I came to the city that is Montenegro's exit to the world, to the city of the great Tvrtko and Savina, Kanli-kula and Španjola, mimosas and skalina. To a city that is on the border, but never on the margin. Herceg Novi has changed masters over the centuries, but it has never changed its character. Freedom-loving, proud, stubborn in defending dignity. And that is why everyone who comes to Novi does not feel like a guest. Novi welcomes everyone with open arms," Milatović emphasized at the ceremony.
He added that three things distinguish Novi from the rest of Montenegro.
"First, Novi is the gateway to the state. The borders of Montenegro begin at Debeli Brijeg. The more developed and connected Novi is, the stronger our entire state is. Second, Novi is a city of integrity. Here, power is not gained by inertia. Here, citizens have often voted differently from the majority in Montenegro. That is not a weakness, that has always been a corrective. As president, I respect that corrective. And third, a special culture and economy. From the Mimosa Festival to the art school, from Igalo to Orjen, from shipbuilding in Bijela to new marinas and tourism, Herceg Novi has its own rhythm and its own logic of development. The state must follow it, and in no way hinder it," said Milatović.
He said that he wants to talk to the citizens of each municipality, regardless of which party the mayor comes from, because he does not agree with party interests treating local communities as party strongholds.
"As the president of the state, I take on obligations that do not depend on goodwill, but on responsibility. Today, Novi is among the most developed municipalities in Montenegro in terms of economic indicators. Low unemployment, work on infrastructure, a strong tourist season. All these are things that make the citizens of Herceg Novi and Montenegro happy," said Milatović.
He said that Melja's story is a story with a happy ending.
"For more than a year and a half, Meljine has been in the public healthcare system of Montenegro. Employees have security, and citizens have a hospital that works. This is the success of the citizens of Herceg Novi, the success of the state, and an example that major problems are solved when we work together. The 'Dr Simo Milošević' Institute is a value that we preserve and must preserve. The Institute in Igalo is the pride of Montenegro. It is not an expense, it is our value and let's work together on a model that will provide it with stability, new equipment and constant work throughout the year. The state must preserve one of the biggest brands, modernize it, and show that health and knowledge can be both an economy and a mission. That is why I am at your disposal, both to the municipal leadership and the Government, to provide you with all the necessary assistance in this regard," said Milatović.
Regarding infrastructure, Milatović said that it is important "that Novi doesn't stand in our way."
"That's why it's important that we become part of the European Union. In order to build a bypass together, so that Novi doesn't stop for a minute even in the middle of the season. The Debeli Brijeg border crossing needs to be modernized and expanded: additional lanes, a digital crossing for local traffic and so-called "green lanes" for emergencies and health cases. The state's reputation is defended at the border, and it is defended with efficiency and respect for citizens. Our sea is a heritage, it is not an ATM. That's why further and new investments are needed in protecting the coast, promenades, beaches, building sewage systems, and treating wastewater. The state must be a reliable partner, so that the money from the sea is returned to the sea and the people who live by it," said Milatović.
He said that he had launched the Presidential Scholarship for the best students of Montenegro, "for those who have demonstrated knowledge, effort and determination to learn and progress, and have proven that success is not measured by family ties, but by merit and work."
"That's why Herceg Novi should get its own Presidential Scholarship Program: the 'Mimoza' Scholarship. I am ready to be the patron of that program and for my team, together with the Municipality, to help in its establishment and fundraising for young people from Herceg Novi. It is the most worthwhile investment, because every scholarship means one young person who stays in Novi, to build Novi, and not to look for a one-way ticket to somewhere else," said Milatović.
He pointed out that the issue of Vektra Boka must be resolved "not to the detriment, but to the benefit of the city and its people."
"That is why I call on the Government and all parties to find a solution that will finally put this story in the function of the development of Herceg Novi. The state must have an equal relationship with every municipality. Regardless of who is in power. I guess the time has finally come when there are no more 'disobedient' cities in Montenegro. You here know best what it is like when you do not have the support of the state, which is why you are the most called upon to constantly repeat: all municipalities must receive the same support from the state," said Milatović.
He said that's why he has four clear messages today.
"To the state, if something is good for Herceg Novi, it is good for Montenegro. To the municipality, continue with responsibility and transparency. I hold you to your word - every euro must be visible, every project is done in the interest of the citizens. To investors, you are welcome, but with two conditions: respect the law and respect the people of Novi. Here, the coast is not being bought, here, investments are being made in the future of Herceg Novi. And finally, a message to the citizens: you did not seek privileges, you sought justice. You did not seek gifts, you sought partners. Today you have them. My function is not to mediate between party appetites, but to protect the Constitution, people and the valuable work of every municipality such as Herceg Novi. Novi is not 'someone's city', Novi is our common pride. Herceg Novi has taught all of us throughout history that freedom is defended at the border, that strength is built on the steps, and dignity is preserved under the mimosa. Today we confirm: European Montenegro begins with cities that know who they are and what they want. Novi knows this. Happy Liberation Day and Municipality Day. Long live Herceg Novi and long live to us Montenegro," concluded Milatović.
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