Podgorica celebrates Liberation Day today, as a reminder of December 19, 1944, when it was liberated from the occupiers during World War II.
Congratulations were sent on the occasion by state officials and political parties.
Pejović: The strength of Podgorica is not only in its institutions, but in the people who build and improve it every day
"Podgorica is a city that has historically demonstrated resilience, the ability to rebuild, and a strong sense of community. From these experiences, it has grown into an open urban center, recognizable by the meeting of different people, ideas, and cultures," reads the congratulatory message from the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, Boris Pejović.
It is added that as the main political, economic and administrative center of Montenegro, Podgorica has a special responsibility and role in the overall development of the country.
"Its strength lies not only in its institutions, but above all in the people who build and improve it every day. The further development of Podgorica should be directed towards creating a functional, modern and sustainable city, with a focus on infrastructure, mobility, better connectivity of settlements and more efficient public services. Special attention should be paid to projects that directly affect the quality of life and health protection of citizens. These goals require cooperation and responsible partnership of all levels of government, and the Parliament of Montenegro will, within its competence, continue to provide support to the development priorities of Podgorica. Once again, I congratulate all the citizens of Podgorica on the Day of the Capital City, with the wish that Podgorica continues to develop as a modern, healthy and prosperous city, tailored to the needs of all its citizens," the statement concludes.
People's Trust Movement: The Capital City Deserves Governance Based on Accountability, Openness, and Mutual Trust
On the occasion of December 19, the Liberation Day of Podgorica, the People's Trust Movement (PNP) with deep respect pays tribute to all those who have made an immeasurable contribution to the freedom of the city and established the values on which Podgorica rests today, the congratulatory message states.
The PNP said that Liberation Day reminds us that freedom, dignity, and trust in a shared future were won through courage, solidarity, and faith in humanity.
"Trust among people has been and remains the key force that connects the citizens of Podgorica and enables its progress at all times. Trust is the foundation of every healthy community, the support of stable development and the key to relations between citizens and institutions. Without trust, there is no strong city, nor lasting progress. We believe that the Capital deserves governance based on responsibility, openness and mutual trust, because only in this way can we build a city of equal opportunities, social justice and a safer future for all. Today, more than ever, we have an obligation to preserve and strengthen that trust through responsible action, open dialogue and work in the interests of all citizens, so that Podgorica is a city of free, equal and safe people. The People's Trust Movement congratulates all citizens of Podgorica on December 19th - the Liberation Day of Podgorica," the greeting reads:
Lutovac: Freedom is not a finished fight, but a permanent obligation
The Liberation Day of Podgorica reminds us that freedom is not a finished struggle, but a permanent obligation, said the vice president of the SNP Podgorica branch, Ljiljana Lutovac, in her congratulatory message.
"The obligation to build society on peace, justice and responsibility towards every person. The courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom obligate today's generations to preserve its values with deeds, not words. Only a community founded on truth, solidarity and mutual respect can be worthy of its history," Lutovac stated.
Suljević: Full support for the further development of Podgorica
Minister of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations Ernad Suljević sent congratulations to the leadership of the Capital City and all citizens on December 19, the Liberation Day of Podgorica.
"Podgorica, as the main administrative, political and development center of Montenegro, plays a significant role in the overall social and economic development of the country. Its history, institutional capacities and development potential make it an important carrier of modern development processes. Marking this date is an opportunity to confirm commitment to the values of freedom, togetherness and responsible governance, as well as to further improving public policies aimed at sustainable development and strengthening the quality of life of citizens," he stated.
Suljević said that Podgorica continues to play an important role in developing innovations, strengthening social cohesion, and improving cooperation between institutions and the civil sector.
"In the spirit of these values, I express my full support for the further development of Podgorica as a prosperous, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive city, dedicated to the needs of all its residents," Suljević concluded.
Ćulafić: Podgorica is a symbol of progress, unity and the future of Montenegro
Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić congratulated all citizens of Podgorica on December 19th - Capital City Day.
"Podgorica is a symbol of progress, unity and the future of Montenegro. As the administrative, cultural and development center of the state, it is continuously developing in accordance with the needs of modern society and the principles of sustainable and environmentally responsible development. A special recognition of this path is the fact that Podgorica received the title of European Youth Capital for 2028, which confirms its potential, energy and commitment to creating better conditions for young people and future generations," he stated.
Ćulafić emphasized that the role of the Capital City is of exceptional importance in the field of environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
"In this sense, I provide full support to all participants in our social life to jointly gather strength and find a rational and conciliatory compromise that will open up space for the implementation of the largest infrastructural ecological project in Montenegro, the wastewater treatment plant on the slopes of the Morača River. With the synchronized rehabilitation of the black ecological toponym - the red mud basin, as well as the solid hazardous waste landfill in the KAP zone, we will demonstrate our general social readiness to understand each other, as people, first and foremost, and to turn a crisis situation into a reason for general social, economic and ecological celebration, to the satisfaction of all parties, because the conditions have been created for this. The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development remains committed to supporting projects that improve the quality of life of citizens, preserve natural values and contribute to the implementation of the highest environmental standards. By working together, we will continue to build Podgorica as a modern, sustainable and prosperous city, aimed at ecological balance, innovation and a better future for all its citizens," the statement concludes.
Bečić: Podgorica looks to the future with confidence and ambition
December 19th holds a special place in the history of Podgorica. It is a date that symbolizes the end of the war and the beginning of a new development cycle for the city, strongly reminding us of the anti-fascist struggle, the spirit of freedom and the enormous sacrifices that Podgorica has made. At the same time, it is a day of freedom, renewal and the new birth of the city under Gorica, said Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, Crime Prevention and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić.
He congratulated Podgorica's Liberation Day to Mayor Saša Mujović, President of the Capital City Assembly Jelena Borovinić Bojović, deputy mayors, councilors and citizens.
"Proudly looking back on its rich and difficult history, Podgorica today looks to the future with confidence and ambition. The title of European Youth Capital for 2028 is a confirmation of its contemporary identity, potential and energy of young people who make this city open, dynamic and oriented towards European values," said Bečić.
He is particularly encouraged, as he said, by the "ever stronger and more substantial cooperation" between the Capital City and the Government, which is "already yielding concrete results" through the improvement of road and utility infrastructure, as well as the implementation of "major development projects" of importance not only for Podgorica, but also for the whole of Montenegro.
"Such an approach will be clearly reflected in a budget with a strong development component, aimed at long-term and sustainable development," he said.
Bečić says he is convinced that the most significant historical results are yet to come for Podgorica and Montenegro.
"Once again, I extend my sincere congratulations on the occasion of December 19th - Capital City Day, with the hope that Podgorica will continue to grow as a symbol of freedom, unity and prosperity."
Kordić: Podgorica proudly represents Montenegro to numerous visitors
Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordić said that Podgorica proudly represents Montenegro to numerous visitors.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and on my own behalf, I extend my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the Day of the Capital City of Podgorica. Podgorica is a city in which nature, history and modern life harmoniously intertwine. The Morača and Ribnica rivers, the Gorica and Ljubović hills, as well as numerous green spaces, give this city a special identity and make it a pleasant place to live and stay."
She said that Podgorica, as the administrative, cultural and economic center of the country, is continuously developing, nurturing its rich heritage.
"With the hospitality for which it is recognized and the potentials that it valorizes more and more strongly year after year, Podgorica proudly represents Montenegro to numerous visitors. With the wish for further development and prosperity, I extend my most sincere congratulations to all citizens on the occasion of December 19th - Capital City Day."
Nurković: A symbol of freedom, anti-fascist struggle and historical identity of Podgorica
December 19th is a symbol of freedom, the anti-fascist struggle and the historical identity of Podgorica, said Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Mirsad Nurković.
He congratulated Podgorica's Liberation Day to Mayor Saša Mujović, President of the Capital City Assembly Jelena Borovinić Bojović, councilors and citizens.
Nurković also said that Podgorica is today a symbol of contemporary and modern Montenegro, founded on strong historical roots, unity and European values.
As the capital, he points out, Podgorica has a special role in the overall development of the country and in building a society with equal opportunities and prospects for all citizens.
"With sincere wishes for the further development, stability and prosperity of Podgorica, I once again extend my congratulations to all citizens of the Capital City on the occasion of December 19th," Nurković wrote.
SEP: No occupier can crush a city that knows who it is and what it is fighting for.
December 19th is not just a date on the calendar, it is the day when Podgorica clearly and forever stood on the side of freedom, anti-fascism and human dignity, the Party of European Progress announced.
That day, as they said, the idea that no force, no ideology of hatred, and no occupier could crush a city that knows who it is and what it is fighting for prevailed.
"Antifascism is not just a historical fact, it is the foundation of Podgorica's identity. It is the value on which the city was liberated, but also the obligation we bear today. The obligation to oppose injustice, intolerance and attempts to relativize the struggle of those who defended the freedom of all of us with their lives," the statement reads.
They say that Podgorica was liberated thanks to people who refused to accept silence, fear, and submission.
"Their courage obliges us not to take freedom for granted, but to defend it every day with actions, solidarity and a clear value stance. Let Liberation Day be a reminder that anti-fascism is a living value, not just a memory, and that Podgorica has always been and will always be on the side of freedom. Happy Liberation Day Podgorica."
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DNP: One of the brightest pages in the history of freedom in Montenegro
The Democratic People's Party announced that it remembers with deep reverence the liberators of Podgorica and the historic date of December 19, 1944, when the city was liberated from fascism, thus "writing one of the brightest pages in the history of freedom in Montenegro."
That day, they said, represents a lasting reminder of the courage, determination, and sacrifice of those who built their lives into the foundations of freedom and dignity for future generations.
DNP emphasizes that "the idea of anti-fascism is a permanent imperative of the libertarian spirit" of Montenegro and an indispensable part of its historical and identity heritage. "Fostering the culture of remembrance of ancestors and their heroic sacrifices represents a moral obligation of modern society, as well as a pledge to preserve the values on which our glorious historical tradition and collective memory rest."
"At the same time, the Democratic People's Party of Montenegro sends sincere congratulations to all believers of the Serbian Orthodox Church who celebrate Saint Nicholas today, with wishes for good health, family harmony, peace and every good thing in life," the statement reads.
Camaj: Current issues must not be points of division, but a common solution for the benefit of all
Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Nikola Camaj congratulated the Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović, the President of the Capital City Assembly, Jelena Borovinić Bojović, and the citizens on the Liberation Day of Podgorica.
"The saying that it is better to have a good neighbor than a good fence speaks in favor of the growth and development of the Capital City, together with Tuzi and Zeta, with which it once formed a single municipality, and with which it is still closest today. That is why it is in the interest of all citizens of Podgorica to arrange their yard in the best possible way, respecting the yards of their neighbors. That is why current issues must not be points of separation or 'building fences', but a common solution for the benefit of all. And that is why our borders should be lines of connection, not separation - friendly, neighborly and rational. Happy holiday, European capital of youth."
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