While foreign tenants are given special privileges and protection, we - domestic tenants - remain unprotected and neglected, said the Tenants' Association "Moj dom".
"We, the tenants living in our homeland, are facing serious problems that threaten our daily lives. In recent years, we have witnessed how the foreigner becomes a priority, and our interests, our problems and our rights are completely ignored.
We are all aware that the influx of foreign nationals to Montenegro has caused huge changes in the real estate market. Rents have increased drastically, and apartment prices have become unaffordable for many of us.
"Why is this so? Why do the state and certain non-governmental organizations care more about the interests of foreigners than about us, the citizens of Montenegro? Where are our rights? Why are the injustices suffered by domestic tenants not mentioned, while the injustices of foreigners are constantly being talked about? Are our problems less important?" the Tenants' Association asks.
In a statement sent to the media, the association said that the competent authorities, as well as some non-governmental organizations, which are supposedly supposed to protect the interests of citizens, have decided to turn their backs on those who grew up, worked and created here.
"Instead of fighting for the rights of domestic tenants, they focus on foreign interests, ignoring the real consequences that their arrival has had on our economic opportunities. These organizations, who call themselves 'grant hunters', do not think about what they are doing to our society and economy. Their goal is clear - money and profit, without any shame or consideration for the people who have always lived in Montenegro. No one is fighting for the rights of our citizens who have been suffering the consequences of these changes for years.
"There is no sign of any domestic NGOs focused on protecting domestic tenants. Are they only for foreigners? Do they care more about foreigners who come for short periods than about us who live in this country every day?" the Tenants' Association asks.
They demand that their interests begin to be taken seriously, that the injustice they suffer not be ignored, that discrimination against local tenants cease, and that their rights begin to be protected.
"Let's ask ourselves, how long will we wait for something to change? Will we continue to be quietly excluded from social and economic life, while foreigners enjoy the privileges that have been taken away from us? We demand justice! We demand equality! We demand that our rights be respected!", the statement concludes.
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