Blažo Radjenović, the leader of Budva’s URA, stated that Budva is beginning to recover from the chaotic situation it was unjustly thrust into due to the policies of the 44th Government’s constituents.

“The third path we outlined tonight will bring about the real change that the citizens of Budva and Montenegro have desired since 2020. A wave of transformation will radiate from Budva,” he remarked.

In response to inquiries about who would occupy the DPS seat in government, Jovanović clarified that the forthcoming months would focus on strengthening local government operations rather than engaging in political trading for positions.

“Tonight, it was made clear that we will not form a coalition with DPS. Instead, we have developed a support platform aimed at resolving the political crisis, which serves as our agenda for the next four years. I trust the councilors will support our commitments as long as we deliver on our promises,” he explained.

When asked if this meant no discussions regarding positions until the summer, Jovanović emphasized that any position matters would be handled professionally.

“The prior practice of appointing individuals based on party affiliation—the so-called breadth and depth—will be discarded. We will appoint senior management according to the Law and will invite all professionals from Montenegro to apply,” Jovanović added.

Jovanović affirmed that he has fulfilled his election pledge to guide them to victory and subsequently took the oath.

Two councilors from the Movement for the City opposed Jovanović’s election.

Jovanović was elected President of the Municipality of Budva, receiving votes from councilors of “Budva our city,” DPS, the European Union, and GP URA.

As councilors from the “For the Future of Budva” coalition departed, shouts were heard. The remaining councilors in attendance were from Budva Our City, DPS, the European Alliance of URA, and the Movement for the City.

Earlier, a PES councilor also exited in solidarity with the Democrats.

Councilors “For the Future of Budva” walked out of the session following Odžić’s decision to limit the second-round debate to five minutes.

Odžić ruled that all clubs would have five minutes for discussion in the second round.

“He has the authority to forgo a second round and directly move to a vote. We agreed at the collegium that the discussion would cease upon any disrespectful remarks and proceed to a vote,” stated Odžić.

Krsto Rađenović (SNP) urged Odžić not to intimidate and proceed immediately to vote. Odžić assured that he was not issuing threats, but rather attempting to maintain order.

Jovana Todorović (DNP) accused Jovanović of signing a verdict against Milo Božović for forming a coalition with the Kavač clan and the DPS.

Nikola Milović (DPS) reiterated that, as previously stated after the elections, the interests of citizens are paramount.

“I must emphasize again that there is no coalition or signed agreement between us and anyone present. Our focus is the civic governance of Budva. Those who voted for civic candidates can be assured of our responsibility to lead the city. We have committed to supporting Odžić’s election and will continue in this endeavor today. Our goal is a civic advancement in Montenegro’s political landscape. This city should be led by qualified, knowledgeable, and courageous individuals. Party disputes and political egos should be set aside,” Miković stated.

He concluded that DPS would vote in favor of the platform and support Jovanović’s presidency.

Jovanović assured that the city has withstood for two and a half millennia and that “this resident of Mojkovac will not dismantle it,” pledging to leave Budva in a better state.

“I will serve as president for all citizens,” he declared.

Jovanović addressed concerns regarding the platform, expressing gratitude that no objections arose, and noted that the evaluations were favorable, indicating consensus.

He criticized the Government for maintaining its lawsuit to recover 29 million rubles from the Municipality of Budva, a guarantee for the wastewater project.

“If the government genuinely cares for the city, it can resolve this issue in two minutes by dropping the lawsuit,” he pointed out.

Jovanović remarked that those from “Budva our city” no longer wish to collaborate with the coalition “For the Future of Budva,” given their previous statements.

“You have dragged politics into disrepute, making it a dirty game. You label those you courted until yesterday with vile names, yet now seek our support to elect your president. Our political fate is our concern,” he emphasized.

He reminded them that he had previously called for an agreement and respect for the electorate’s will.

“Do not delude yourselves with political conjectures; there will not be a third option in Montenegro. You wasted your August chance. I fought ardently against DPS while they were in power, and I cannot do so now that they’re in opposition. My Serbian identity is rooted in my family, not from the likes of Andrija Mandić. I do not require your validation of my ethnicity. Avoid manipulating the narrative,” Jovanović urged.

The Democratic councilors exited the session.

Aleksandar Petrić (Budva our city) stated that as citizens expressed their preferences, the overwhelming majority of members supported their intent to assemble a capable team around the platform.

“Jovanović’s vision to unite everyone who can contribute to the platform’s success is commendable. I have been in opposition since 1991 and have garnered substantial backing from my diverse community. When you assert that we betrayed our supporters, do not concern yourselves with that. That is for us to address. The notion that Jovanović has fallen out with his mentors and relatives seems ludicrous to me. Anyone is welcome,” he stated.

He added that time will reveal who the true traitor is.

Mladen Mikijelj (For the Future of Budva) insisted that this marks the ultimate act of forming a coalition between “Budva our city” and DPS.

“They did not believe our previous declarations regarding the coalition formed in March, when the Municipal Assembly mandate was shortened. This is the first instance where a prospective Mayor is nominating themselves because no one else is willing to take that role. I recall 2016 when we managed to oust DPS from power with the Democrats and SNP. We revived the city over the following three years, initiating various projects. However, in 2019, the individual seeking the presidency caused division. He was dispatched by Milo Đukanović to create discord with friends and allies and forge a government with DOS. His campaign slogan was never with DPS, yet within his councilors’ club, not a single kind word is spoken about Jovanović,” Mikijelj articulated.

Mikijelj called out “Budva our city” councilors by name, highlighting their claims of being opponents of DPS.

Mikijelj continued to deride Jovanović as “a rogue and a scoundrel for ages.” Odžić promptly admonished him.

“If you encounter individuals in the streets, feel free to approach them,” Odžić advised.

Dragana Kažanegra Stanišić (Democrats) expressed that the election of the Municipality of Budva’s president should be a dignified affair.

“The majority of citizens should feel satisfied and have their expectations met, which is clearly not the case. The election lacks legitimacy as the pre-election promises of ‘Budva is our city’ no longer align with their coalition with DPS. This environment feels more akin to the arrest of criminals than the election of a president,” she observed.

She remarked that every reasonable person should welcome the resolution of the ongoing crisis.

“However, naming Jovanović as president does not address the situation. I’m surprised Božović is resigning after two and a half years at DPS’s request. This should have happened sooner to avoid conflicts and ensure that the city does not lose two seasons. The formation of this coalition appears directed at reinstating DPS’s dominance, an agenda that has been in play since 2019 for a full return to power,” she claimed.

Kažanegra assessed Jovanović’s platform as being more ambitious than Božović’s, yet challenging to implement.

“The Democrats will not serve as pawns obstructing the city’s development. I wish Jovanović the best in his professional endeavors, as it would signal progress for my city. Nevertheless, I believe that such forced alliances are unlikely to endure. This is a victory for DPS, which invariably finds a weak link,” she pointed out.

Nemanja Kuljača (For the Future of Budva) critiqued the platform as lacking originality and realism.

“Upon its presentation, one should evaluate whether it translates into the budget and if the projects will be executed. This platform obscured the alliance between ‘Budva our city’ and DPS. We find ourselves in a similar situation as at the constituent session, with proposals backed by absent individuals,” Kuljača noted.

He raised objections about parliamentary documentation being presented in the Latin alphabet, asserting the public deserves clarity regarding the language of proceedings.

“This meeting concludes a sequence initiated in March last year when ‘Budva naš grad’ collaborated with DPS to shorten the mandate of the Budva Municipal Assembly. Jovanović was not granted a mandate to act,” Kuljača emphasized, referencing a statement from November regarding alleged collusion against him with DPS.

“It is only fair that citizens be informed about your collaboration with DPS so they recognize those responsible for their party’s resurgence,” he stated.

Krsto Rađenović (SNP) remarked that Jovanović’s program was merely a rehash of long-standing discussions, lacking substance regarding Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, and Buljarica.

“The platform bears no weight, just as Božović’s grand plans ultimately amounted to nothing. It is a sham, and I doubt this effort will yield results,” asserted Rađenović, marking many proclamations as baseless.

Ksenija Baković (Movement for the City) voiced that Budva’s citizens are uncertain whether DPS is providing minority support or if they are part of a coalition with Budva. She insisted that Nikola Milović from DPS should issue a clarification.

“The platform has merit, yet everyone is acting as though they are in Šavnik, oblivious to the impending season within four months,” she stated.

“We risk another poor season. If Jovanović takes the presidential role, he must represent all citizens—Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox alike—and should engage with them across the board. We must remedy the flawed foundations to pursue ambitious projects for garages, promenades, and hospitals,” Baković urged.

She emphasized the importance of consensus.

“To maintain power, individuals may compromise their stated principles and relationships. We need a president for all citizens, one who can address seasonal challenges before tackling the platform,” she stressed.

Nemanja Kuljača (For the Future of Budva) called for a ten-minute recess to verify Filip Vujović’s mandate, emphasizing that the MEC needs a quorum.

Odžić motioned for a vote, which was dismissed. Mladen Mikijelj accused Odžić of betraying their trust by denying a break, asserting that the OIK secretary was reluctant to verify Vujović’s mandate. Odžić replied that he would indeed grant Vujović the opportunity to exit.

Jovanović indicated that the OIK secretary should file a report regarding suggestive activities to the police.

“I doubt this matter can be swiftly resolved so that work can proceed,” Jovanović warned.

Mikijelj charged Odžić with permitting Jovanović to express political opinions under the guise of procedural presentations, a claim Odžić denounced.

Milan Tičić (DPS) asserted that the session must continue unabated to prevent councilors from exploiting procedural measures, indirectly referencing Mikijelj.

Ilija Gigiović (For the Future of Budva) suggested that Odžić engage a team of legal experts, urging against heeding Jovanović’s advice.

“Since Berislav Fabris was appointed secretary of the Municipal Assembly, he has become a political appointee as he’s now aligned with URA,” Gigiović commented.

He questioned Odžić about Jovanović’s ostensible transition from the illegal role of vice president to president.

“He misled voters in the elections. I ask how he maneuvered from the 33 seats on his list to maintain control over his councilors. I challenge Jovanović: If he is truly a benefactor, why does he need security? Is he capable of walking around Old Town? I also question DPS’s acceptance of radically opposing policies, as this contradicts their principles. I’ll recall Milo Božović’s slogan from the 2022 campaign, which prioritized ‘Budva first’—now it appears they prioritize the chair,” Gigiović posited.