STEGA: Local government in Herceg Novi to get involved in organizing Independence Day celebrations

The competent secretariat of the Municipality of Herceg Novi has issued a decision approving the use of Nikola Đurković Square for the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the restoration of Montenegro's independence - May 21, 2026. Accordingly, all the conditions have been met, in this case also the formal conditions, for the citizens of Herceg Novi to celebrate one of the most important dates in modern Montenegrin history - Independence Day - with dignity and with an appropriate program.

This was announced by the Strategy for a European and Civic Montenegro (STEGA), an informal association of free citizens, as they call themselves.

Despite the fact that the local government took 20 days from the date of submitting the request to respond positively and that, as they say, it was to be expected that the Municipality of Herceg Novi itself would be the organizer of this celebration, STEGA called on the authorities in that city to get involved in the organization and show that they do not have a selective attitude towards public holidays and, above all, that they do not have a selective attitude towards the citizens of Herceg Novi.

"The reason lies more in the fact that the state government in Podgorica has decided to allocate as much as 2,6 million euros from the state budget for the celebration of Independence Day, and that the citizens of Herceg Novi, STEGA and UBNOR are organizing and financing the event in Herceg Novi from personal contributions and donations. In any case, on May 21, 2026, in the central square of the city that guards the entrance to one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the city of mimosa, culture and Mediterranean spirit, the flag of Montenegro will fly as a votive symbol of freedom, state continuity and dignity. On that day, the citizens of Herceg Novi will host their friends from all over Montenegro and will send a clear message that they are unwavering and unwavering guardians of state independence, civil society and the European future of Montenegro," the STEGA statement states.