Milatović with the citizens of Petnjica: It is time for change for a better Montenegro

President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović visited Petnjica and held a meeting with citizens, where he said that there had been enough of ignoring and empty promises and that Petnjica must be connected, supported and respected.

"I am here to finish the job. But without you, without the diaspora, without the youth – there is no true progress for Montenegro," said Milatović.

As announced by his office, he emphasized that Petnjica must not remain an isolated point, but must be the focus of state authorities.

"Petnjica today is without a gas station, without a regular bus line, without an open border crossing to Serbia. And I ask you, I ask the Government, is this normal? How can people stay here? How can young people plan for the future if we remind them every day that they are forgotten? Petnjica is not included enough, Petnjica is not supported enough. This is not just a traffic problem, it is a message that no government wanted to see you. I came here to say: enough of ignoring. We must immediately correct this injustice. We need transport infrastructure to attract investors, create new jobs, enable young people to work here, start families, stay and contribute to the development of the Montenegrin north. Montenegro has no time to stand still. We must step forward bravely and quickly," said Milatović.

He also pointed out the uneven distribution of state funds:

"Connecting with Bijelo Polje and Rožaje must not remain an idea, it is a matter of dignity. Every citizen of Petnjica must know that the state respects them and works in their interests. We must be aware that the road is not a privilege. Because while you are waiting here for asphalt, a bus line and basic living conditions in Podgorica, we have deputy prime ministers and their advisors, who spend more money per month than is allocated for one local road in Petnjica, and whom the citizens do not elect. This is not a mistake, it is a choice. It is time for that choice to change. For the state to start investing in citizens, not in privileges. For the money to go where it is needed, to the north, to the countryside, to Petnjica. I just want to be the voice of reason for the citizens of Montenegro, who are not asking for anything other than what is their rightfully due - and that is a road in the 21st century," said Milatović.

He added that, with the support of EU funds for cross-border cooperation, Petnjica can become a place of development.

"My goal is for Montenegro to become a member of the European Union! This is not just a goal on paper, it is a work action, every day and at every job. We need investments that open factories, that create new value, that boost exports, that change the economic picture of this region, but of all of Montenegro. This is the European path and that path must also lead through Petnjica. With the support of EU funds for cross-border cooperation, Petnjica can become a place of development, and not, as is the case now, be an isolated point. It must become a bridge, between the village and the city, between the diaspora and the homeland. I do not agree to wait. And I believe that just like me, you do not agree to excuses. I want a Montenegro in which two things are valued - how much you know and how much you work," said Milatović.

He said that the time has come for citizens to decide, not for others to decide for them.

"For too long, decisions about Petnjica and Montenegro have been made in Podgorica, or even worse in party headquarters. It is time to return power to the citizens, through open lists, so that people know who they are voting for, to enable the right to run for office for every citizen, and so that people who enjoy the trust of their community can enter parliament without party backing. I advocate for direct democracy - Montenegro's progress lies in people electing people," said Milatović.

He expressed satisfaction with the direct conversation with citizens, saying that it was time for joint action.

"I do not agree that Montenegro stands! I do not agree that Petnjica stands! It is time to fight for roads, factories, equality and dignity. It is time for change for a better Montenegro," said Milatović.