Currently, there are announcements regarding an offensive targeting Nikšić. We have firsthand experience of what that offensive entailed during the 30 years of their governance over Montenegro and Nikšić. Reports indicate that over 30 businesses and economic units in our city have been shut down. In contrast, within a mere four years, we have initiated more than 40 infrastructure projects amounting to millions in our city,” stated Marko Kovačević, the leader of the coalition “For the Future of Nikšić” and the sitting mayor, while speaking at the Nikšić Theater.

Kovačević emphasized that over 5,000 citizens have found employment in the past four years, noting that the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) seems perturbed by these job opportunities, which reflects the current government’s improved social programs.

“These offensives won’t prevail, as Nikšić is well aware of who has devastated this city for 30 years and who has rejuvenated it in only four years. We strive to restore it to its former glory within the next four years,” Kovačević stated emphatically.

He believes that the coalition he leads represents a consistent future, built upon progress, whereas those “who have orchestrated offensives over the past 30 years have only succeeded in dismantling the city.”

“It’s been said that Nikšić has become culturally impoverished in four years, yet we have reached the finals for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030, something they couldn’t even imagine in their wildest fantasies. All our updates suggest we are leading and are likely to secure this title by year’s end, making us the first city in Montenegro to achieve this recognition,” Kovačević added.

He noted that the Electric Power Company of Montenegro has already requested urban planning and technical conditions for the first four buildings in the “Sunny City” project, which will comprise 130 apartments expected to break ground mid-year.

“I was asked today what distinguishes us from other electoral lists in this election. What sets us apart is that Nikšić understands we will continue to work and build as of April 14, whereas others will rest after the campaign. Unlike our competitors, we’ll be active the morning after,” he remarked as the leader of the “Zna Nikšić! Nastavla” list.

Milan Knežević, President of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), declared his intention to issue a political arrest warrant for Danijel Živković, president of the DPS, as per global and regional Interpol guidelines.

“We are on the lookout for Danijel Živković, who vanished following their congress, at which Milo Đukanović was appointed honorary president of the DPS. Should anyone encounter him, please advise him to join the coalition ‘For the Future of Nikšić’ while he still can, as many DPS members are flocking to our coalition these days. They recognized that with Milo Đukanović turning into a figurative vampire yet again, our coalition and Marko Kovačević are the only credible options to drive a political stake through Đukanović’s resurgence,” Knežević noted.

He asserted it’s up to the people of Nikšić—veterans of numerous offensives since 2012, who endured tear gas, rubber bullets, detentions, trials and carried the banner of freedom—to complete what they began on August 30, 2020.

Knežević claimed that Đukanović is attempting to evade the Special State Prosecutor’s Office and the consequences of a pending situation that has awaited him since 2018.

“Whenever we are questioned, ‘Why are you focused on him?’, we respond, ‘We are not focused on him; he is focused on us.’ He is inescapable, much like VAT. From the battlefields in the former Yugoslavia to drug smuggling and political crime—his shadow looms large. Even if we reach the cosmos, we’d likely find Đukanović there, hidden amidst the chaos he has created,” Knežević expressed.

Therefore, Knežević insisted that the people of Nikšić must “terminate that lease” permanently. He argued that this should not be a challenge for them, as they possess the best electoral list and have had an exemplary mayor over the past four years.

The coalition led by Kovačević will be listed as number ten in the forthcoming elections, a note Knežević took to emphasize. He also presented another slogan to accompany “Nikšić knows! We continue”: “Consider your descendants, honor your ancestors, vote for number ten.”

Furthermore, he quipped a slogan for the DPS for free: “It’s all your coca scam; you’ll be watching Marko Kovačević’s back,” and extended a side note to the DPS list leader Boris Muratović about how Kovačević would once again take up the mayor’s role: “Boris, enjoy your break.”

Andrija Mandić, president of New Serbian Democracy and the Montenegrin Parliament, remarked that everyone is aware of the correspondence on the Sky application revealing how “the entire scum of the former regime and criminal clans” collaborated against their coalition, knowing how crucial Nikšić is when lost.

“All major political and economic developments in Montenegro originated from Nikšić. Nikšić has historically been the driving force of the entire country. This is why it was vital for them to regain control over Nikšić, particularly as they attempted to preserve it four years ago. Given that we managed to win against fierce adversaries and significant financial efforts four years back, we now face an easier yet more significant challenge. Last time, we secured 26 percent, finishing second; this time, our aim is to claim the government independently, although we need to secure the top position first,” Mandić explained, urging supporters to actively engage with citizens to share Kovačević’s vision for the next four years.

“We are poised for exceptional results. Our four years in leadership showcase the talent and creativity of Kovačević’s team. For the next four years, Nikšić must not only rank as the best within Montenegro but also compete regionally. This is a tremendous task and you have the finest team. Young individuals with skills, abilities, and a robust vision of Nikšić and Montenegro’s future are assembled here. In the coming four years, Nikšić will become a city of joy, perspective, youth, and remarkable accomplishments,” Mandić reiterated.

Vladimir Joković, President of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) and Minister of Agriculture, pointed out that those who previously sowed division are now re-emerging.

“They have fragmented everything, from the common state to the academy of sciences, creating new churches and languages… They divided everything alive, monopolizing the resources for themselves,” remarked the SNP president.

He urged the people of Nikšić to prevent those who “devastated the city” from returning and to vote for number 10, proclaiming that this new mandate would be a testament to Kovačević’s achievements and success.

“This coalition is arguably the most united and diverse in Montenegro, managing a four-year governance that faced no significant criticism. Hence, on April 13th, let us all vote for number 10, reserved for the exceptional. The greatness represented by the number 10 has been worn by legends such as Pele, Maradona, Messi, and now it is Marko’s turn,” Joković concluded.

During the forum hosted at the Nikšić Theater, potential councilors Milutin Đukanović, Dr. Vera Bulatović, Mitar Barać, Anica Đurović, Mirko Miličić, and Bogić Mićković, president of the Nikšić board of the Movement for Change, also voiced their opinions.

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