Councilors of the Capital City Assembly adopted today the Draft Decision on Local Communities.
The capital will also take over part of the debt of the "Vodovod i Kanalizacija" company.
The councilors did not give the green light to amendments to the Statute of the Capital City.
The monument to Sula Radov, as voted by 30 councilors, will be erected across from the monument to Saint Peter of Cetinje in Podgorica.
With the same number of votes, they also adopted the Report on the Work of Mayor Saša Mujović.
Councilors adopted decisions to amend the statutes of several local companies.
Aleksandar Đurišić is no longer a member of the RTV Podgorica Council. 30 councilors voted in favor of this.
Flow of discussion
The report on the work of the mayor, administrative bodies, special and professional services of the Capital City is at least as good as the report by the current mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović, and it looks as if it was written by artificial intelligence.
This was stated by European Union councilor Miloš Mašković during the sixth session of the Capital City Assembly.
According to him, the mayor's work report was written frivolously, "as if it had been written by ChatGPT."
"Ms. Olivera Injac is the worst mayor in the history of the Capital City. The previous administration as well. How frivolous this report is is shown by the fact that it lacks data on the implementation of the capital budget. I had to search the corridors to find out that it is around 60 percent, which makes it the lowest, I think, in the last ten years. This speaks to how and in what way this city has been moving. We cannot see the measurability of success in the report, it does not exist," said Mašković.
He emphasized that the company "Water Supply and Sewerage", headed by Aleksandar Nišavić, has been operating in the red for two years. He told Mujović that his next report must be the opposite of the current one.
Councilor of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Stefan Ćulafić, said that the Secretariat for Transport does not mention the procurement of new buses.
"We will talk about the Protection and Rescue Service in the coming days. Last year was marked by skirmishes, fights, and arguments. There is complete chaos in that company. We had the opportunity to read about nepotism in that service. I am worried that many of the staff who contributed to such disastrous results are still in their positions. I fear that in 2025, the same amateurs who are members of the orchestra will remain, and the conductor will be the stage itself."
Preokret Movement councilor Srđan Perić asked Mujović what would happen if a multi-story building were built on the premises of the Railway Administration.
"It is extremely important to start the conversation about the economic zone. Economic activity must continue. The city must get involved, because there is no other way we can solve this burning problem. The sooner the conversation about active economic zones where people can move their facilities begins."
Mujović said that his vision for Podgorica includes buildings with fewer floors.
"The idea is to have up to five floors and a space utilization rate of up to 0,5. This is not just my imagination, but something we sent as an official request to the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property. Our idea for the development of Podgorica is to make it more humane and greener. We have not detected a single indicator that would put us in a position to stop the building and say that the citizens are right," he said.
Councilor of the Party of European Progress (SEP) Ilija Mugoša said that "this report is an example of what Mujović should not look like."
"In most sectors, there is no quantitative data. The report is very descriptive. There is no clear connection between planned and implemented activities. In some items, there are huge discrepancies... The focus of the report is rather on administrative tasks, rather than on performance," Mugoša said.
"The year was marked by illegal appointments"
DPS councilor Žaklina Oštir said that it is not surprising that the report states that citizens' awareness regarding green spaces has changed.
"It's not that the awareness hasn't changed, but a way needs to be found for it. With the new DUP, the rest of the city is heading towards total concrete construction. Attention must be paid to city traffic. Some bus drivers endanger traffic. There is no parking. Sometimes even money doesn't help you," said Oštir, adding that she doesn't see the point of some offices "because they never again attack women and the LGBT population."
Vladan Arsović, also an opposition councilor, pointed out that it is difficult to defend the previous year in Podgorica. He recalled the political instability and quarrels within the current majority.
"The previous year was marked by illegal appointments. There is no word on the dismissal of these people, and we still have no reaction to all of that. We had political revenge, as well as situations where employee files were obtained. We have a complete halt to the implementation of the wastewater treatment plant. After half a year, the director of the 'Vodovoda' company did not know what I was talking about. Only now, after Mujović arrived, have they managed to complete everything else that was needed. Capital budget – the worst implementation in history (59 percent). You have led to the fact that the Pod Goricom stadium is not in order."
Arsović emphasized the outflow of professional staff in the City, as well as the silence of the city administration on the opposition's questions.
Mujović: There is no place for extremism
DPS councilor Adi Jakupović said that it was not nice that the opposition was being criticized for "Olivera Injac being no longer the mayor of Podgorica."
"It turns out that she was not dismissed for inaction, but for some other reason. I would like my colleagues from the ruling majority to tell us something about Injac's work. I would like Mujović to invest his authority and knowledge, as well as everything he has, so that we can dedicate ourselves to the city center," said Jakupović.
Councilor of the Preokret Movement, Mirza Krnić, emphasized that the year 2024 and the report cannot be attributed to Mujović, but it can be attributed to companies.
"The capital budget was only 63 percent executed. We have been warning for several months that the same thing will happen this year. There is no progress, no major projects... We have no significant changes in terms of parks, greenery. We have problems with traffic jams and lack of parking," said Krnić.
Budimir Mugoša (European Union) said that the report was not good and added that it was his right to express his opinion.
"Whether someone will be called out is their business, and their way of communicating in the Parliament," Mugoša said.
DPS councilor Nela Savković Vukčević asked Mujović how he commented on the fact that a book about Blagoje Jovović is being promoted at the National Library.
Mujović replied that there is no room for radicalism in his heart and that his Podgorica is broad-minded.
"This is the Podgorica I worship. There is no place for extremism. We all have space to express ourselves and our needs. The library program is defined by the management, or rather the people who advocate for it. I do not believe that they did this to send bad messages or to discredit anyone. I am always on the side of true values and civic education. We can all have needs and religious feelings."
Mašković said that we have dysfunctional companies that are "sinking into ever deeper losses."
"We could conclude that there is no political or professional responsibility for those people who brought those companies to such a state."
Arsović said that the government discriminates against citizens with its program.
Mićović: Appropriate remuneration of board of directors members provides additional motivation
Arsović (DPS) claims that the director of "Waterworks and Sewerage" Aleksandar Nišavić has always presented accurate information to the media about the operations of the company he manages. He asked him whether the six million euros of the previous debt was "negligible compared to the debt of almost four million euros in the last two years."
"Accept criticism sometimes. Whatever the opposition criticizes, you don't accept it. I congratulate the mayor for increasing the compensation of the management boards, even though at the moment he is honoring people who don't deserve it."
The head of the Europe Now (PES) councilors' club, Anđela Mićović, said that city enterprises play a key role in the communal life of citizens, and managing them is not easy.
“The current fees are, in many cases, you will agree, symbolic. This sends a message that responsibility is not adequately valued... No one here is suggesting luxury, or excessive spending of public money. This increase is not entirely adequate either, but it is certainly a step forward from the long-standing neglect of the board. Poor management can cost us much more – through losses, inefficiency and poor quality of service.”
Mićović justifies the increase in remuneration to boards of directors, among other things, due to rising prices.
"Appropriate remuneration of board members further motivates active and additional participation in work. Remunerations that are below basic and social standards send a message that is not in line with the principles of respect for human dignity. Councillors in Budva receive 300 euros, and in Bar 300 euros," said Mićović, pointing out that the city administration is increasing remuneration in order to avoid such scenarios.
Krnić: Party employment is being normalized
Mirza Krnić (Preokret) pointed out that the Election and Appointments Committee should be demystified and expressed surprise that the media finds out before the councilors who will be nominated for office.
"Party employment is being legalized and normalized, and that is very controversial," he said.
Stefan Ćulafić (DPS) raised the issue of redundancy in "Vodovod" and said that the public should know how big it is.
"'Vodovod' in Podgorica has more employees than in London... I would like to see a decision that Mujović will sign, and it relates to increasing the salaries of employees. Most people do their jobs responsibly and I am in favor of them being adequately compensated. I would like to see decisions that will lead to people who do extremely difficult work receiving adequate satisfaction for their work and their salaries must be increased," he said.
Klikovac: There has been a sudden increase in the number of employees in city companies; Zečević: We have a modern laundry. Men do the outside washing, and ladies work inside.
The head of the DPS councilors' club, Andrija Klikovac, said that there has been a sharp increase in the number of employees in city companies.
"More than three million euros are being spent on gross salaries of employees in the past year. Not to mention service contracts. I have a court case with former advisor Injac, who was a biologist and dealt with legal issues. Some ministers from PES, under service contracts, also worked in the Capital for the period from 2022 to 2023. Andrija Mandić's driver, who is listed as an advisor in his cabinet. As for 'Putevi' itself, the board of directors is increasing the remuneration, and the same company is borrowing 700.000 euros," said Klikovac.
He claims that "Putevi" rents 15 vans and adds that "they are maintained at the expense of the lessor."
"Part of the management of 'Putevi' has a parallel company with other individuals who are founders and sometimes use the company's machinery for private business. The Property Administration has allocated them three vehicles. What is that for? We also have a deficit from that company," said Klikovac.
He also said that "Sports facilities" had "become a disaster in a short time."
"We have already completed the water supply. We see losses in the network. Nothing has been done to reduce losses in the network," he said.
Klikovac reminded that the tender for the procurement of new "Putevi" vehicles ends today.
"The question arises as to what we will do with those buses that were purchased from a company... It is interesting that the founders of that company are blood relatives of one of the employees of the company 'Putevi'," said Klikovac.
Director of "Putevi" Radoš Zečević said that they began operating normally at the end of January, beginning of February.
"It is true that at the end of the year we had a debt of around three million, but we do not hide it. That debt includes 800.000 euros unpaid for the base. As for the debt of 700.000 euros, we took it from one bank and asked others. We took it so that my workers would not go without pay," said Zečević, denying allegations that he has a private company.
Zečević said that he found a situation where buses were "washed by workers with joggers".
"We have a modern laundry today. The men do the outside washing, and the ladies do the inside," he said.
Klikovac said that there were three tenders for deals with a foreign company.
"Nobody has such a rickety bus. And these are all the facts that are in the documentation. The owner of that Swiss company is in direct contact with a person employed at 'Putevi'," Klikovac told him.
Vučković: "Sports Facilities" were a DPS party cell until 2023
The executive director of "Sportske objekta" Aleksandar Vučković said that the company was a DPS party cell until 2023.
"All the losses incurred by 'Sports Facilities' occurred during the DPS period. Why don't you say that electricity and water costs have never been lower...", said Vučković.
Mugoša: "Čistoća" has poor financial results
Ilija Mugoša (SEP) said that "Čistoća" has poor financial results, and that employee salary costs have increased by almost two million euros.
"You have increased the price of plant waste removal. It is necessary to consider lowering that price. Whenever it is the season, that waste is always found in containers," Mugoša pointed out.
He emphasized that the financial situation at "Putevi" is very bad, pointing out that employee costs have increased by two million euros.
DPS councilor Maša Šturanović asked what was happening with the dog shelter.
"Čistoća" Executive Director Denis Hot said that he was sorry that the councilors did not understand the company's work.
Šturanović replied that the situation in the asylum was quite good.
"People who are engaged in that work are employed, doctors of veterinary medicine. Increasing the number of dog kennels is not one of the solutions. The key is to sanction irresponsible ownership. The story about increasing the capacity of the shelter is purely political, and not professional," said Hot.
Mugoša told Hoto that the hygiene situation in the city was not good. Klikovac asked Hoto when he would increase the prices of services.
Preokret councilor Mirza Krnić said that the essence of these companies is the least talked about, as well as "how to increase their profitability."
"We need to understand that these companies could have been profitable. Water has become more expensive, and collection is getting weaker. What criteria are used to decide who will be sued – is it the same for everyone, or is someone privileged? Expenditures are at the same level as last year," said Krnić.
He asked Deputy Mayor Boris Spalević what benefits citizens would derive from the Capital City delegation's trip to Paris.
Nišavić: Losses are of a technical nature; Arsović: "Vodovod" to prevent losses and flush pipelines
Director of the company "Water Supply and Sewerage", Aleksandar Nišavić, said that the losses were of a technical nature.
"The capital and 'Vodovod' have not worked to create more reservoir space in order to reduce losses, and thus reduce costs. Part of this loss is caused by technical problems that cannot be reduced. The other is due to the old pipeline. This is a significant loss that will take time to repair," said Nišavić.
DPS councilor Vladan Arsović appealed to "Vodovod" to prevent losses and flush the pipelines.
The director of "Deponija" Aleksandar Božović thanked the councilors for their support for the company he heads. He invited them to visit, and said that they could delegate one person from each party.
"Let's present our vision, so that we can make decisions in parliament. A waste tire plant costs between three and six million. However, that is not a viable method for us. This further implies that the plant would only operate for three months a year. We have decided on a classic tire shredder that will cost around one million euros. And we have such machines in cement plants in Turkey... We are in the process of taking over recycling yards. We can be one of the generators of development in this city and I am glad that Mayor Mujović recognizes that," said Božović.
He also said that the bioenergy plant is one of the five strategic projects of "Deponija".
"We are lagging behind in the technology of filling sanitary vats and we will have to do some repairs," said Božović.
Ćulafić: I expect you to protect the Mareza water source
Stefan Ćulafić (DPS) said that he was "saddened by the silence of the government councilors" regarding the work programs of city enterprises.
"We are in May 2025, and we had to talk about these work programs last December. In mid-2025, we are talking about the work program for last year. I expect you to protect the Mareza water source," said Ćulafić.
He asked Nišavić to tell him how many redundant employees there were in "Water Supply and Sewerage".
He said that the procurement of buses is a very interesting topic, and that for 11 million euros it will be difficult to find a respectable brand on the market.
"For the approximate price of 100.000 euros, you can hardly find one from the modern vehicle category," he said.
Nišavić said that they have reduced the number of employees by 30 people, which, he claims, is not enough.
"Over 120 employees have been on sick leave for more than a year. Without that number, about 20 percent are redundant," said Nišavić.
Deputy Mayor Boris Spalević said that citizens "don't pay dearly for the water they drink."
"The goal of all of us is for 'Vodovod' to function healthily. I wouldn't say that there are any senior workers at 'Vodovod'. Any healthy society will not resign, nor consider firing someone who is doing their job. I don't know if there is a single worker in the capital who was doing their job who was fired. The redundancy can only be for non-workers," said Spalević.
Ćulafić said it was not clear to him whether the number of water connections had increased in the previous three years.
"The collector is a problem for all citizens of Podgorica, not just the residents of Botuni. I would like to get the exact date when the collector will be built and at what location," said Ćulafić.
Mujović: Regarding Botun, we are looking for an alternative solution, but not to destroy this city
Mayor Saša Mujović said that for more than 20 days a year, the water in Podgorica is not drinkable.
"Is it economically viable to invest such significant amounts for 20 or 15 days a year? It's just the logic that's being talked about... The idea was to acquire 40 data loggers and that would be the best solution to prevent losses. Talks have been initiated with several companies about a crucial project - replacing 90.000 water meters. As for Botun, we are looking for an alternative solution, but not to destroy this town. We have an idea to do it on the territory of KAP. I think it's very suitable," said Mujović, adding that he could not give a specific date for the construction of the wastewater treatment collector.
Mujović said that he spoke with the Japanese ambassador and asked him to donate an electronic bus, and said that he replied that he could not do that, because Montenegro is economically strong.
Nišavić: Three employees from the field reading department were fired. We have more than 60 disciplinary procedures
Preokret councilor Srđan Perić asked Nišavić if he had initiated an inventory of underground infrastructure of sewage and water pipes.
"If not, when do you plan to? As a director, have you submitted a report to the SDT for forged signatures regarding severance pay expenses? If not, why not?" Perić asked Nišavić.
The director of "Vodovod" responded that they evaluate the work of employees, adding that he "introduced a type of regular report submission."
"Three employees from the service dealing with field readings have already been fired. We have more than 60 disciplinary proceedings... When it comes to prosecuting illegal things in business, we are doing so actively and so far we have filed five reports with the competent prosecutor's office. We are certain that they are provable," said Nišavić, adding that a suspicious allocation of apartments has also been reported.
Šturanović: Five people employed at "Kakaricka Gora" resigned due to poor working conditions and changes in management
DPS councilor Maša Šturanović said that five people employed at "Kakaricka Gora" have resigned due to poor working conditions and changes in management. She claims that "the people who currently work at Kakaricka Gora do not have the qualifications to be advisors."
"Since Marko Čađenović took over as director, activities such as organizing round tables and lectures have been discontinued. These activities were not formalities. Their absence represents a step backwards, especially in the area of prevention and destigmatization of addiction."
Stefan Vešović said that when talking about child protection in Montenegro, "it is a very complicated story about staff, not only in terms of 'Kakaricka Gora'."
"From everything I received as input from Mr. Čađenović, the results were much better than they were before. The work plan is well structured and shows what the goals and desires of the current management are."
Tamara Crnogorčić (PES) said that the City Theatre "will get a new building this year."
Žaklina Oštir (DPS) said that the budget for culture is not sufficient in any year.
"When it comes to culture, you can't play with deadlines. There are no moves. Unforeseen circumstances can happen. Since the mayor is here, I would suggest that he stretch the budget for culture. Believe me, it will definitely pay off, because people and cultural representatives will be grateful to you. A wonderful thing that the City Theater will do - they will create a puppet workshop, which is extraordinary. They are working on educating people... A strategy should be created so that people visit museums and galleries as much as possible," said Oštir.
Mirjana Radulović (DPS) asked why there are no books by Montenegrin writers and no events in their honor at the Radosav Ljumović Library. She was also interested in why there are no books in English.
"It is worrying that the current library management is trying to implement investments without the public's knowledge. Let me point out that these are funds of the citizens of Podgorica and that we have the right to know how they are being spent," she said.
Mićović: Đurišić's dismissal justified; Perić: We are not a court
Anđela Mićović (PES) said that the decision to dismiss Aleksandar Đurišić as a member of the Council of Radio and Television Podgorica was justified. She added that he violated the Law on the Prevention of Corruption.
Srđan Perić (Preokret) asked the councilors to show basic fairness and not dismiss Đurišić "without first speaking out."
"We are not a court. Otherwise, the point of the City TV Council is completely meaningless. We are talking about elementary legalism. I appeal to the mayor and the president of the Assembly to postpone this to the next session," said Perić.
PES councilor Vasilije Čarapić said that he "together with Mitar Šušić is working on a decision to amend the decision to establish City Television."
He also said that the local public broadcaster is neutral.
"None of us have anything against Mr. Đurišić. It's simply a conflict of interest," said Čarapić.
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