Tenants' Association: It is increasingly obvious that Velje Brdo is being run as a political project

The Association of Tenants of Montenegro assessed that it is increasingly obvious that the Velje Brdo project is being run as a political project, and not as a solution in the interests of citizens.

They also said that, instead of being shaped according to the real needs of tenants, there is a serious tendency to implement it exclusively according to the ideas of the Government of Montenegro and the relevant Minister Slaven Radunović - without the substantive participation of those who are most affected.

"The Tenants' Association of Montenegro has been actively engaged in protecting your rights and fighting for a fair and sustainable housing policy for five years. From the first day, we have stood by you - those who have been waiting for a fair chance to solve their housing issue for years, even decades. When the Velje Brdo project was announced, we supported it sincerely, believing that it represents a step towards social justice and a solution for thousands of families. Today, unfortunately, we see a different picture. It is increasingly obvious that this project is being run as a political project, and not as a solution in the interests of citizens. Instead of being shaped according to the real needs of tenants, there is a serious tendency to implement it exclusively according to the ideas of the Government of Montenegro and the relevant Minister Slaven Radunović - without the substantive participation of those who are most affected," the Tenants' Association statement, signed by President Dragan Živkovi, emphasizes.

They added that such projects, as a rule, do not bring justice but disappointment.

The Tenants' Association points out that it is particularly concerning that the process is taking place without clear and public criteria, without the inclusion of tenant representatives and without, as they said, guarantees that everyone will have an equal chance.

"Instead of social policy, we are increasingly witnessing an attempt to turn an already problematically managed project into political profit. We must not and will not allow this. We remind you that Velje Brdo is being built with the money of all citizens. With our money. And that means that the benefits of this project must be available to everyone - especially those who need it most. The Association of Tenants of Montenegro will not remain silent," the statement reads.

They also said that they have the knowledge, experience, and concrete mechanisms to fight for fairness and transparency.

They also add that they will launch a series of concrete steps in the coming period.

"...From public initiatives and collecting signatures, through institutional demands, to organizing public gatherings and protests if necessary. For this, we need your support. We call on all tenants to get involved, to raise their voices and to show together that our lives cannot be decided without us. Because only together can we make the system fair. We will continue to insist on clear rules, equal opportunities and responsibility of those who make decisions. This is not a political fight. This is a fight for dignity, security and the right to a home. And in that fight – we will not give up," the statement concludes.