Although Pljevlja has produced personalities over the decades who have carried the name of the city far beyond its borders, the title of honorary city has remained inscribed with only one name - Josip Broz Tito, back in 1962.
Sixty-four years later, the debate over its (non-)allocation reopens the story of the city's relationship with the people who built it.
The decision of the then People's Committee of the Municipality of Pljevlja was made in 1962 on the seventieth birthday of the lifelong president of the SFRY.
"Appreciating the merits, role and contribution of Comrade Tito to our peoples as the organizer and leader of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia/Union of Yugoslavia, the leader of our national liberation struggle and socialist revolution, the creator of the system of social self-management, the builder of brotherhood and unity of our peoples, as a fighter for equal cooperation, for peace and socialism in the world, and expressing the love and devotion of our citizens on the occasion of his seventieth birthday, the People's Committee of the Municipality of Pljevlja, at a ceremonial session of both councils on May 18, 1962, makes a decision - Josip Broz Tito is proclaimed an honorary citizen of Pljevlja. This decision shall enter into force on May 25, 1962," states the decision of the People's Committee of the Municipality of Pljevlja.
The Statute of the Municipal Assembly stipulates that someone who is particularly deserving of the development of the values of a democratic society, historical events and traditions, the position and reputation of the municipality, and its relations with other cities in the country and abroad may be declared an honorary citizen of the Municipality.
The Municipal Assembly decides on the awarding of the award, and the title can also be awarded to citizens of other countries.
Bajić: No one has contributed more significantly to getting us out of trouble
Councilor of the Movement for Pljevlja and former President of the Municipal Assembly, Bozidar Bajic, told "Vijesti" that the Parliament has not awarded this recognition to anyone so far, nor have any proposals been submitted.
Bajić believes that Pljevlja did not have anyone who significantly contributed to this area getting out of the troubles it was in.
"When all these years we have not been able to find a man whom Pljevlja would thank for all the good he has done for this municipality, then that is the best picture of the situation in which this area finds itself," said Bajić.
He also stated that "anyone who advocates for this environment is not appreciated."
He does not know who could deserve the recognition of honorary citizen of Pljevlja, believing that the competition would be great if the recognition were to be given in a negative sense.
He emphasizes that the title of honorary citizen is the highest municipal recognition, greater than the November 20th Award, which is awarded to citizens and institutions for the highest merits and achieved results in theoretical and practical work and activity in all areas of human creativity.
Rovčanin proposes Mirko Rondović
President of the Municipal Committee of the Democrats in Pljevlja and MP Nikola Rovčanin believes that Pljevlja should end the decades-long practice of absolute passivity when it comes to awarding honorary citizenship awards.
"Pljevlja has dozens of significant figures who are originally from our city and who, with their life's work, have promoted Pljevlja in sports, culture, art...", he told "Vijesti".
As his first concrete suggestion, he cites the music legend Mirko Rondović, who was born in Pljevlja, but has been living and working in Belgrade for years.
Rondović was awarded the 20 November Award in 2015.
"To begin with, I would like to propose that consideration be given to awarding the title of honorary citizen of Pljevlja to the prominent singer Mirko Rondović..."
In the explanation, he states that Rondović is the guardian of local identity.
"Mr. Rondović, with his creativity and interpretation of traditional music, has significantly promoted Pljevlja, preserving and affirming the cultural heritage of our region. I believe that this title would be a symbolic recognition of his life's contribution and his connection to our city," said Rovčanin.
He particularly emphasizes the cult status of his song “Svi Pljevljajski tamburaši”.
“His music, especially the song 'All the Pljevlja Tambura Players', which he composed and performed according to the text Ruždije Krupa, has permanently marked the identity of Pljevlja and brought it closer to the wider public. There is no citizen of Pljevlja, nor a person originally from Pljevlja, no matter where on the planet they live, who does not celebrate the most important dates and celebrations with this song with special emotion. This song is simply an unavoidable segment of every celebration for almost every Pljevlja resident, and also the first association with Pljevlja for decades,” said Rovčanin.
The Democratic Party of Socialists believes that awarding the title of honorary citizen was not a priority, but that the award ceremony on November 20th must be reinstated.
Head of the DPS councilors' club, Marko Tošić, says that the Municipality has been regularly presenting the November 20th Award for decades, and that due to its importance, it was considered that the additional award of the title of honorary citizen was not necessary.
"The question for the ruling parties is why they do not respect the regulations and why the November 20th Award, which has been awarded since 1973, has not been awarded since 2022. We believe that Pljevlja has many quality people who deserve this award with their professional and human qualities," said Tošić.
Bonus video:
