A heated disagreement has emerged between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and members of the coalition “For the Future of Montenegro” (ZBCG) concerning the appointment of Mladena Mikielja from the New Serbian Democracy (NSD). While this conflict does not currently pose a threat to the Government or the ruling coalition, it raises concerns about the viability of its long-term sustainability.

This perspective was shared by sources from “Vijesti,” who discussed whether the Prime Minister’s refusal to include Mikijelj’s appointment on the agenda at the most recent Government session, at the request of Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, Slaven Radunović (NSD), “at the risk of leaving the government,” could jeopardize the coalition, or if it is merely another disagreement among government constituents.

“This situation is not simply an argument among government members; rather, it is indicative of a deeper conflict in interests and political ambitions of the partners, who have been united more by pragmatic needs than by any substantial ideological or programmatic alignment,” remarked Nevenka Vuksanovic, the director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM), in her conversation with “Vijesti.”

She emphasized that while this does not necessarily spell the end for the coalition, it does highlight its precarious long-term viability.

According to information from “Vijesti,” the effort to appoint Mikijelj as the director of the Public Company for Coastal Zone Management during the new term led to a significant dispute at Thursday’s Government session because Prime Minister Spajić declined to put the matter proposed by Minister Radunović on the agenda.

Four attendees of the session disclosed to the newspaper that Radunović sought to add the appointment of Mikijelj, whose four-year term had expired as of the previous day, to the last agenda item labeled “personnel issues.”

Following Spajić’s rejection, these sources claim that Radunović and other coalition ministers insisted that Mikijelj be appointed “at the cost of leaving the government.”

“Good luck to anyone who wants to leave,” the Prime Minister reportedly stated during the session, according to “Vijesti” sources, making it clear he wouldn’t be blackmailed. He requested them to provide justification for choosing Mikijelj over other candidates.

Spajić reminded his coalition partners of an agreement that stipulates appointments to state-owned enterprise management positions should be filled by professionals instead of political affiliates.

Political analyst Sergej Sekulović told “Vijesti” that, based on the information available, including Spajić’s remarks, he does not perceive this situation as a serious conflict that poses a risk to the Government.

“While the circumstances were certainly unpleasant, I do not see it as inherently leading to more significant repercussions,” Sekulović concluded.

The director of the Public Company for Coastal Zone Management is appointed by the Government based on a proposal from the Personnel Commission, to which the Minister of Spatial Planning submits the candidate’s CV along with their recommendation.

Sources from “Vijesti” assert that Radunović did not forward Mikijelj’s candidacy to the Personnel Commission but instead attempted to push for his direct appointment during the Government session.

Spajić reportedly used this rationale to refuse adding Mikijelj’s appointment to the agenda, maintaining that he would not relinquish his authority.

On social media platform X, Spajić emphasized that the discussion should not solely revolve around specific individuals in roles, nor the immature need to simply oppose others for self-importance, but instead focus on the principles governing appointments and adherence to procedural norms.

“Once the minister provides an explanation that was not prepared during the last discussion, we will examine his proposal and provide a statement at the Government session,” Spajić stated on X.

Nevenka Vuksanović highlighted that issues revolving around personnel, which should fundamentally be based on professional criteria within a serious government, have once again devolved into grounds for political maneuvering and party recruitment:

“This illustrates that party interests are placed above systemic solutions,” Vuksanović concluded.

The Agreement on Parliamentary Support, alongside the Constitution of Legislative and Executive Powers and the Political Priorities of the 44th Government and the Parliamentary Majority of the 28th Convention, commits signatories to principles of transparency, merit-based meritocracy, and equal opportunity in personnel policy, prioritizing professional competencies and personal integrity of candidates in order to break away from partisanship:

“We commit to strictly adhering to legal regulations and best practices in the appointment of political roles (ministers, state secretaries, 30% of ambassadors, up to 50% of management board members, etc.) as well as the selection of professional positions (general directors, heads of administrative bodies, management of majority state-owned companies, etc.), to be elected through public and transparent processes or competitions. The Collegium of Party Presidents shall oversee the enforcement and compliance with the terms of this Agreement and its Annex,” the document specifies.

Critics and opposition figures have accused all ruling parties of perpetuating employment practices reminiscent of the former Democratic Party of Socialists government, hiring thousands of their party members and supporters to enhance their electoral prospects, with the coalition from For the Future of Montenegro facing particular scrutiny.

The coalition and other parties defend their actions, claiming they are rectifying previous injustices, asserting that these individuals were unable to secure jobs while the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) held power.

Concerns Regarding the Tender for Budva Beaches

If the Government of Montenegro does not appoint a new director for the Public Company for Coastal Zone Management by Monday, the validity of the upcoming tender for leasing 96 Budva beaches spanning from Jaz to Buljarica will be put into jeopardy.

With Mikijelj’s term having expired yesterday, there will be no authorized individual to sign official documents as of Monday, according to sources in Morsko dobro.

A few days ago, Mikijelj established committees to oversee the opening of bids on Monday; however, the authorizations he gave to his deputy and assistants ceased as of yesterday.

Since bids are typically submitted close to the deadline, any complications or irregularities requiring management’s resolution could prove difficult to address.

Even though the coalition “For the Future of Budva” has secured the director’s position, Spajić’s Movement for Europe effectively exerts control over Mikijelj. He recently appointed Dejan Rabrenović, a councilor and a significant figure in Spajić’s party in Budva, as his deputy.

Additionally, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Coastal Zone is affiliated with Europe Now.

Morsko dobro informed “Vijesti” that recruitment advertisements for 110 positions pertain to individuals who have been employed under contract with the company for two years and were previously engaged in work with ferries or the Port of Budva. Of these, ten positions will focus on the protected areas sector.

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