We have shown that power can be exercised responsibly, courageously and in the interest of citizens, even when it is taken over in conditions of political violence, obstruction and attempts at institutional chaos, the mayor of Budva Municipality told "Vijesti". Nikola Jovanovic, on the occasion of the anniversary of taking office.
On the other hand, the opposition says that the city is at a dead end...
After a stormy session of the local parliament, painful scenes and verbal clashes, Jovanović was elected as the first man of Budva on February 6. At the same time, the “project support” model was promoted on the Montenegrin political scene, thanks to which Jovanović was enthroned, which was made possible by the opposition DPS. Jovanović, along with two councilors of the European Union, led by the current president of the Municipal Assembly Petar Odžić and councilor GP URA had 12 councilors, out of a total of 33 mandates. The necessary supermajority was provided by DPS with seven councilors. Jovanović then presented the Platform for Saving Budva to the public, with which he promised the development of the city, the depoliticization of the administration and the implementation of numerous projects...
The opposition is united in its position that Budva has not moved forward, on the contrary, that Jovanović's platform is a dead letter on paper, that investment projects have not been implemented, that political recruitment has taken hold, and wasteful spending is the crown jewel of the current government...
However, a year later, Jovanović is still supported by all the political actors he has gathered.
Jovanović reminds that the government was not created through political bargaining, nor behind closed doors, but "in an unprecedented environment":
"When individuals from the criminal milieu tried to prevent the constitution of the Parliament by physically breaking into the Assembly hall and keeping Budva in a state of anarchy. That attempt was not just an attack on one political option, but a direct attack on democracy, institutions and the right of citizens to have a functional government. Despite everything, the government was formed peacefully, legally and decisively on our part. Unlike previous periods marked by political instability and personal interests, this year has shown a clear difference between those who used Budva and those who serve Budva. In just one year, more was done than in the previous several mandates combined, not declaratively, but measurably and tangibly."
Jovanović pointed out that the government "has made it clear that Budva is not an ATM, but a city of its citizens."
He points out that for the first time, free kindergartens have been provided, and a plot of land has been purchased for the construction of a new kindergarten, because "the responsible government plans in advance, not from election to election."
He assessed that social policy has been raised to a higher level and that benefits for newborns have been increased to "a historic maximum, from 1.000 to 4.000 euros." This, he says, sent a clear message that the city stands with the family, not with privileged individuals:
"Subsidies for tenants in the amount of 300 euros per household, larger scholarships and a wider coverage of students are not populism, but rather systemic measures that improve living standards have been adopted. With the opening of the Citizens' Bureau in Petrovac, decades of centralization and neglect of this part of the municipality have been broken for the first time. The citizens of Petrovac are no longer second-class citizens, but equal users of local government services."
Problem solving and a record budget
Jovanović points out that one of the strongest proofs of the government's seriousness is the resolution of the dispute with the WTE company:
"While previous administrations swept the issue under the carpet for years, exposing Budva to the risk of arbitration awards worth around 100 million euros, this government took responsibility, concluded a settlement for 3,5 million euros and practically freed Budva from financial blackmail. Today, the Municipality no longer trembles in the face of lawsuits, but plans for development."
Jovanović states that, unlike previous governments that sold off city property to patch up the budget, they have embarked on the path of returning and protecting city property. As an example, he cites the JRB building, "a symbol of the unfulfilled promises of all previous political groups," which has been returned to the city.
"The same applies to the decision to purchase the 'Jadranska straža' building, which, together with the 'Medin' villa, will form the future cultural center of Budva. These are decisions that will last for generations, not just for campaign headlines."
He points out that Budva today has a record budget of 79 million euros, with more than 30 million allocated for capital investments:
"This includes the construction of garages near the Old Town and a new road across the Grđevica River, which opens a new entrance to the city from the direction of Markovići. These are infrastructure projects that solve decades-old problems, not cosmetic interventions for political marketing. This government has shown that it also respects the religious rights of all citizens, by signing an agreement with the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral on the construction of the Church of St. Mark, with a clear message that other religious communities will also have institutional support, because Budva belongs to everyone."
He assessed that Budva is not divided, as "many wished, but a politically stable, reconciled and united city", and that this is precisely why it "is attracting the attention of the international community".
"The visits of the ambassadors of the United States, Italy, Slovakia, China, Austria and Romania, as well as the head of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro, are not protocol-related, they are a message that Budva is today considered a reliable, stable and serious partner."
Results "cause nervousness and despair" among political opponents
He states that such results "cause nervousness and even despair" among political opponents. When arguments run out, he says, they resort to destruction, incidents and attempts at destabilization, including "acts that cross the line of political struggle."
"But Budva will not go back any further. We will not retreat before pressure, nor will we adapt to those who disturb order, law and transparency. Budva today disrupts the political plans of many in Montenegro, but that is their problem, not ours. Our task is clear: to work in the interests of the city and its citizens, quickly, decisively and without compromising with the bad practices of the past. The fact that the Platform on the basis of which the government was formed was largely implemented in the first year of its mandate confirms that Budva today has a government that knows what it is doing, has the courage to implement it and the strength to persevere. As far as we are concerned, this is just the beginning."
He points out that the city administration has clearly shown that Budva is no longer a closed, unpredictable and politically risky environment, but a city open to serious, credible and long-term investments:
"Today we have expressed interest from a large number of renowned investors, including the company 'Eagle Hills', which is backed by one of the most famous investors in the region and the world." Mohamed Alabar, as well as 'MK Group'. This is not a coincidence, but a direct consequence of political stability, clear rules and a decisive message that Budva is ready for development, but not at any cost. The government is not looking for investments that will exhaust the city, but those that will create new value, new jobs and long-term benefits for citizens. That is why Budva is now once again on the map of serious investment destinations, as a city where order is known, the law is respected and it looks to the future.
Odžić: 2026 is the year of development projects
Odžić points out to "Vijesti" that 2025 was challenging in several aspects - the government, he says, was formed at the end of the first quarter and therefore the budget and public procurement plan were adopted late, which "slowed down the implementation of capital projects."
"However, a number of promises from the platform have been fulfilled, such as free kindergartens, increased social benefits and parking spaces, the purchase of a plot of land for the construction of a kindergarten... Also, a decision was made on subsidies for tenants, and large funds were allocated to support activities that are not within the jurisdiction of local governments, such as education and healthcare."
Odžić says that a record budget has been achieved, the budget deficit has been reduced, and the preconditions have been created for 2026 to be the year of development projects:
"There were also differences on some issues on which we in the European Union expressed a clear position, firmly convinced that we should be fully committed to solving the problems that burden all citizens, regardless of their affiliation. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly define the priorities of citizens and prioritize the development of our city, and the European and civic path of our Montenegro and Budva. To summarize, the period behind us was dedicated to stabilizing the political and systemic situation in Budva, which was very delicate. I am sure that in the period ahead, we will work on capital projects important for all citizens, with an emphasis on returning the epithet of a tourist metropolis to the city."
Tičić: Without DPS, there is no stable government
Leader of the Budva DPS and councilor Milan Tičić tells "Vijesti" that a period of one year has shown that the party's decision to provide programmatic support to the "Budva Our City" list and its leader Jovanović was completely correct.
He points out that the political situation has been completely stabilized, "the agony during which we had five local elections in eight years has ended, and serious results have been achieved in the work of local self-government."
"We have closed the dispute with WTE and released 20 million euros that had been trapped in the capital budget for years. We have purchased a plot of land for the construction of a new kindergarten on very favorable terms and provided free preschool education for all children. We have provided monthly subsidies of almost half a million euros to tenants, and we are returning cultural assets, such as the JRB and 'Adriatic Guard' buildings, to the ownership of the Municipality. By adopting the budget for 2026, we have opened the door to numerous investments, representative cultural events, and world festivals that will give Budva, in addition to its former glory, a new, even more urban and modern face."
Tičić emphasized that they are extremely satisfied with the cooperation with Jovanović, who "in an extremely difficult environment, faced with numerous pressures, managed to show resistance and put his vision into action."
"Because of all the above, I believe that Budva is on the right track and that it has been confirmed once again that without DPS there is no stable and serious government. We must make the best use of the next year, until the local elections in June 2027, in order to deliver the results to the citizens that they rightfully expect."
Franeta: When even 1,3 million doesn't properly organize a reception
Councilor of Democratic Montenegro Željko Franeta He points out, however, for "Vijesti" that the past year has shown that key promises from the political platform have not been realized:
"The budget is being shifted from year to year, without concrete results, while large infrastructure projects, such as the announced construction of a hospital, tunnel, garage, promenade, have not even begun. A special problem is the excessive number of employees in the Municipality, where around 12 million euros are allocated for salaries annually, which clearly speaks of the management style and so-called 'principleness' of the current government. Local self-government is effectively blocked, starting with the Secretariat for Urban Planning, which is in complete collapse, and all the others. What can we say about the administration, which, with the largest New Year's budget of 1,3 million, failed to properly organize the New Year's Eve and New Year's holidays."
Franeta states that the condition of the streets in the city center, especially in the immediate vicinity of the municipal building, "speaks more than any statistics - the roads are neglected, full of potholes and without basic maintenance, which clearly reflects the government's attitude towards public space and the everyday needs of citizens."
"Additionally worrying is the fact that a large part of the management functions are in an acting capacity, so it is difficult to assess how individual secretariats function at all. When it comes to the work of the Municipal Assembly, the way the president leads speaks for itself; we do not remember regular sessions, but only emergency ones, which serve for political settlement within the coalition of DPS and Budva nas grad, and not for the real interest of the citizens. Ultimately, it seems that the Municipality is still functioning according to the well-known pattern of the old DPS policy - 'I create a problem for you, and then I solve it for you'".
Zenović: Promised everything, achieved nothing
Leader of the "Movement for the City" and councilor of that group of citizens Đorđe Zenović He assessed that the alleged professionalization of local government is reflected in the appointment of exclusively staff loyal to the mayor, of whom "the largest number are those who have no experience in the positions to which they have been appointed."
"They do not respond to letters or phone calls from citizens who finance their salaries, they do not solve pressing infrastructure problems, some do not even know what the term expropriation means, which is truly worrying."
Zenović pointed out that the only thing that can be praised and said to have changed drastically is the work of the Public Utilities Company:
"Everything else is at the level it was at before the new government was formed, if not worse. The implementation of the Investment Activities Program itself is at a record low level, barely 30 percent, and that is a sufficient indicator of the results of the new government. Wasting huge amounts of citizens' money on parties without any plan or order, illegal political revenge against employees in companies, continuing to incite strife among locals and pandering to investors and construction lobbies close to the parties in power, and on the other hand, bullying everyone else - that is the characteristic and comment of a government that promised everything and achieved nothing."
Todorović: city administration as a real estate agency
DNP-A Spokesperson Jovana Todorović She assessed that citizens can only clearly see that none of the key promises from Jovanović's Platform have been fulfilled. Instead of city development, administrative reforms and a better life, she says, we have got a city administration that functions like a real estate agency.
"Jovanović did not stand out with a single serious infrastructure project, a single systemic measure that would improve the lives of citizens, but he was very actively engaged in buying land, promoting its sale in various TV appearances and the interests of a narrow circle of people, while the needs of citizens remained aside. Citizens' money was spent on celebrations, dinners and closed events for the chosen ones, which was especially evident during the celebration of the Municipality Day - an event that looked more like a private party than an event dedicated to all citizens."
She states that they witnessed the dismissal of workers in municipal companies, who were reinstated by the Labor Inspectorate, "with clear suspicion that it was a matter of political revenge."
“If ‘fulfilled promises’ mean ignoring citizens, wasting public money and running the Municipality as a private business, then we can say that this year was successful. However, if we are talking about responsible governance, city development and respecting the interests of citizens, this year has been, unfortunately for the citizens, a lost year. It remains unclear to us whether Nikola Milović (DPS) moved to 'Budva our city', or Nikola Jovanović became the head of the DPS Municipal Board”.
Rađenović: platform - a dead letter on paper
Leader of the Budva SNP and vice-president of the party Krsto Radjenovic points out that "a year after the arrival of the OKG government led by the DPS, it became completely clear that the promises made in the political platform remained a dead letter on paper."
"Instead of the announced changes, citizens today witness the continuity of bad practices, improvisation in management and the complete absence of any responsibility for the achieved (or not achieved) results. The OKG structure led by DPS continues the old matrix of governance: public promises are made lightly, funds are formally planned, but implementation is absent without any explanation, responsibility or sanctions. The practice of systematic transfer of budget funds from year to year is particularly indicative, which clearly indicates the inability of local authorities to implement even their own plans. Money remains unused, projects are delayed or are not implemented at all, while citizens are served empty phrases about stability and progress - without any real coverage."
Rađenović claims that the political picture is further compromised by an unnatural and exclusively interest-based coalition, formed without a clear program and without a shared vision for the development of the city:
"Such a majority does not function in the interests of citizens, but solely to preserve power and mutual political agreements. The peak of non-transparency is the adoption of the budget in the last days of the year, through a secret ballot. Such a move is a direct attack on the principles of transparency and democratic accountability and clearly confirms that key decisions are made behind closed doors, far from the public eye. All of the above shows that Budva today is a city without a clear strategy, without a long-term development plan and without any vision for the future."
Rađenović states that citizens have been deceived when it comes to the hospital, promenade, garages, parking spaces and numerous other projects, which "directly confirms that the same principles of governance that existed during the DPS era until 2016 are being applied."
"Therefore, we can rightly say that OKG-DPS continues to govern Budva at full capacity. After a year of this government, Budva has no visible projects, no systemic solutions, and no trust from citizens. Instead of development and responsibility, we have received a secret budget, political combinations, and a government alienated from citizens. Budva deserves much more."
NSD: Jobs are being closed under Đukanović's baton
The Budva branch of the New Serbian Democracy points out that the year since "the new DPS government led by Nikola Jovanović has revealed that the so-called 'platform' is a precise, solid coalition, with a clear division of functions."
"The famous traitorous 'platform' has been stuffed with projects stolen from the program of the 'For the Future of Budva' coalition for the 2022 elections and has remained a dead letter. It is now completely clear that the previous majority of 18 councilors was deliberately destroyed in order to bring DPS to power. Under the baton of the new/old eternal DPS president Milo Đukanović, the jobs that they failed to complete by 2016 are being closed. From the very beginning, it has been clear that the city is run by DPS, and the designated representative of that group is Nikola Jovanović, a political servant of the same masters and a convert modeled after various Đurovićs, Pajovićs and Džakovićs. Like them, he was inserted by Đukanović and his DPS tycoons in order to fulfill the previously known agenda of seizing all valuable resources."
They state that, when "we talk about the way DPS is managed", old scandals are being closed one by one, and these are "the main projects in which money from the capital budget is 'invested' and investments are being feigned".
"Instead of winning the dispute (with WTE) and collecting the funds for the benefit of the citizens, an agreement was concluded whereby the Municipality pays 3,5 million euros to a private company and at least as much to lawyers, which no one is talking about. It is precisely because of this affair that former DPS leaders ended up in Spuž from their positions as mayors, and it has apparently not been closed yet. In addition, (Dragan) Brković, the best man of the honorary president of DPS, is being paid 7,1 million euros for the JRB building, which under extremely suspicious circumstances was transferred from the right of use to the right of ownership. The initial decision was 6,9 million euros, but the amount was later increased. The absurdity is even greater if we know that the same building, together with state land, was advertised for sale at a price of 7,5 million euros, while a year earlier the starting price was eight million. Today, without the land, it is worth 7,1 million euros. The question of all questions is in whose hands did that money end up?"
They claim that the removals of management boards, secretaries and directors were carried out illegally, and all cultural institutions were handed over to the DPS and SDP.
"The OIK was forcibly and illegally formed and operates contrary to the law. The government arrogantly treats dissenters and prevents them from exercising their rights at every step. Dissidents from the Municipality and municipal companies are being fired. Private individuals are being prevented from building facilities and making investments worth millions unless they express clear support for the ruling structure. The work of state-owned companies is being obstructed. The bargaining for councilors to vote according to the will of the government was obvious at the session on the last day of last year."
Medigović: Unacceptable support for construction on "Slovenska plaža" and in Miločer
The ruling GP URA is cautious when it comes to praising the current government. They state that "no one can deny that certain progress has been made in some segments," although "it sounds paradoxical that in 2026 we will only be satisfied if someone does their job for which they are paid with citizens' money."
"Is that enough? We believe it is not, because we cannot transfer over 20 million investments into the budget for this year and be satisfied. We will not mention individual results of secretariats, public institutions, companies or services on this occasion. It is important that citizens recognize who are the people who work responsibly and who have justified the trust placed in them, who protect general interests, and on the other hand, who are those who do not."
They state that the common platform implies that the Municipality's property is preserved, inventoried, and increased, not sold off.
"This platform implies stopping the Budvanization and systematic destruction of the most valuable resources... As good examples and moves by the Municipality, we see the purchase of a plot for the construction of a kindergarten, the announced purchase of JRB and 'Jadranska straža', the publicly stated position that the Municipality is ready to buy the 'Park' hotel, increasing benefits for newborns, making a decision to subsidize tenants and young married couples in order to solve the housing issue, and increasing funds for entrepreneurship," Miloš Medigović, vice president of the OO GP URA, tells "Vijesti".
He assesses that there are unacceptable positions of the Municipality that follow the scandalous positions of the Government and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić:
"This is the promotion of the MK Group project in connection with the TN 'Slovenska plaža', i.e. privatization that would lead to the destruction of the only remaining green oasis... and the construction of apartments for sale in that place. We are also witnessing a disastrous example that we have thwarted and made public, the Municipality's signature on the agreement between the Government and the company 'Adriatic properties', the current tenant of the Grad hotel 'Sveti Stefan', Miločer and Kraljičina plaža. This agreement clearly specifies that 63 apartment units for sale are planned in the heart of Miločer park, which URA has been fighting against since its establishment and which is why URA submitted the initiative of the Declaration on the Protection of Miločer Park in the local parliament in 2016, which was voted on."
He warns that all of this is worrying if we bear in mind that the current DUPs have expired and that it is "unacceptable to give the wind in the back of those who would continue where the former criminal octopus OKG DPS left off with the rampage and destruction of space, which we all fought against together at the time."
"Those who are ready to change course, to abandon the platform that we jointly presented to the citizens and on the basis of which we formed the government a year ago, who have replaced their opinions and positions with those they fought against, and today have come to their own, then it is fair for them to publicly announce this to the citizens."
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