Andrijevica is once again in a political deadlock. Councilors from the Europe Now Movement (PES) have not attended the last two sessions, which is why key decisions for the functioning of this northern municipality are on hold.
Can the crisis be resolved or is the city moving towards temporary financing?
Only a year after the formation of the government in Andrijevica, the ruling majority is already entering its third crisis. The last session of the local assembly, at which important decisions were to be adopted, was not held due to the boycott of PES councilors.
"We do not plan to give legitimacy to the adoption of strategic decisions for the development of our municipality for which we were not consulted, and therefore we are not interested in taking responsibility for other people's policies," said PES Andrijevica.
On the agenda, in addition to the strategic plan, are a number of decisions important for the functioning of local self-government, which is why their colleagues from the government say they are surprised by the reasons why PES councilors have been boycotting two sessions already.
"In addition to the strategic plan, there is also a budget that allows for annual operations and that citizens do not suffer, both citizens and employees. And that through the implementation of that budget, all projects that have been planned at the local level are implemented," emphasized Miloš Čukić from Democratic Montenegro.
"We believe that the reasons are not of any great nature, that it should simply be a reminder to all, both these young politicians and us more experienced ones, that conversation is always healing," said Vesko Raketić, president of the Andrijevica Municipal Assembly.
The previous convocation of the local parliament showed that it is not easy to conduct a dialogue in Andrijevica, when a political crisis lasted for almost two years due to personal conflicts. Many saw the entry of PES as a possible factor of stability. It turned out otherwise.
According to unofficial information from Television Vijesti, they have delivered a request to their government colleagues expecting support for several multi-million dollar investments in this city. Otherwise, they said, they will not support the budget rebalance, nor the budget for next year.
Television Vijesti did not receive official confirmation of this information, because no one from the PES wanted to appear in front of the cameras. In a brief statement, the party states that their councilors will not participate in what they call fake negotiations. If no agreement is reached in the coming months, Andrijevic will face temporary funding.
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"That is not a good way precisely because of what I mentioned, the functioning of local self-government, the implementation of capital projects in our municipality and providing our citizens with basic conditions for functioning and work," said Čukić.
"I believe that there are ways to solve this small crisis. I think it is solvable and that really, I repeat again, the main representatives of the parties, the mayor and I am sure that we will find a solution," said Raketić.
While one side insists on respecting the coalition agreement, and the other on preserving the stability of the city, time is passing. What is certain is that elections are not an option, at least not until June 15, 2027, when regular local elections are planned in all Montenegrin municipalities.
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