My activities pose a threat to those who plan to misuse Montenegrin votes and to those who have failed to enhance Montenegrin identity.

This statement was made to “Vijesti” by the leader of the list “For a Libertarian Nikšić with Equal Opportunities” in the upcoming municipal elections, Jelena Marković.

After the Nikšić election commission denied her participation in the election race twice, citing an insufficient number of citizen support signatures, Marković appealed to the State Election Commission. This led to the local commission being instructed to rectify the issues, allowing the list “For a Libertarian Nikšić with Equal Opportunities” to participate in the elections in the locality near Trebjes starting from March 28th.

Marković told “Vijesti” that sovereignist parties opposed her candidacy, stating that after the elections she would engage with those who embrace the principles and agenda of her list. She emphasized that her initial action, should she gain power in Nikšić, would be to mobilize institutions to thoroughly assess the municipality’s financial situation.

The elections in Nikšić are set for April 13th, with the Marković list competing alongside nine other political entities.

You began your election campaign a week later than others. Do you view this as a disadvantage or an advantage, considering that the delay drew attention to you and your list?

They undoubtedly hindered me and took measures to ensure that I was not present enough in the campaign, aiming to delay my entry or prevent it entirely. However, citizens recognize who I am and what values they support when I am in the spotlight, irrespective of the list I lead. I bring transformative ideas and propose a third path between the two clearer options, and the circumstances in our city prove this… I will not endorse any divisions. Mutual respect and appreciation are essential; this is our city and our country, and fostering a better life should be a collective goal.

You frequently mention that you were barred from leading the list and participating in the elections under accusations of “wasting” Montenegrin votes. Who impeded your participation?

Sovereignist parties. The voters in Nikšić feel particularly let down by their approach to national identity. Consequently, my activities threaten those intending to exploit Montenegrin votes, as well as those neglecting the elevation of Montenegrin identity, which has been my longstanding mission and one I will fulfill.

If you were in a position to make decisions locally, what would be your first course of action?

My first step would be to transparently present all financial resources to the citizens and outline their management. I will mobilize institutions to thoroughly audit the financial landscape of the municipality. The vision of my movement is to prioritize addressing the financial and economic crises in Nikšić, as I am committed to assisting every citizen and elevating the economic conditions.

Nikšić was once an industrial hub. Can new factories be established, and if so, which types?

We will exhaust all options to revive factories slated for demolition, contingent on a commission formed with external experts confirming the project’s viability. Additionally, we will prioritize revitalizing high-quality small and medium enterprises that should serve as the foundation for the economy, tourism, and agriculture in our city under Trebjes.

How do you plan to tackle the waste management issue in the city?

We will take a serious approach to environmental concerns at both the local and national levels. The waste issue will be addressed through the selection and recycling of recyclable materials. In Nikšić, we have “Solar Gradnja,” which is a major factory for solar panel production. EU regulations mandate that manufacturers must uninstall and recycle solar panels at the end of their life cycle. We have a prepared project to tackle this specific type of waste. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA) anticipates millions of tons of solar e-waste by 2050. This initiative forms just one part of our team’s ecological efforts.

Will you confront the issue of party employment within local administration and businesses, and how would you address this problem?

The fundamental principles that I and my associates have consistently advocated highlight the shortcomings of partitocracy that has plagued our society, not only in Nikšić but across the nation. I intend to tackle this straightforwardly once given the chance. My approach will prioritize professionalism, credibility, and integrity, aiming to restore our city’s dignity.

I bring changes and propose a third way between the two clearer options available; the circumstances within our city validate this approach… I will not permit any divisions. We must foster respect and appreciation among each other as it is our city and country, and enhancing living conditions should benefit us all.

The municipality of Nikšić has relied on assistance from the Equalization Fund for years. How effective is the local government in collecting municipal taxes?

The municipality fails to collect fees effectively, primarily due to an unstructured system that lacks equitable access for all. We will link each institution with a new program providing citizens with comprehensive access to all fees in one centralized location, resulting in a more efficient system for everyone involved.

Which parties or movements might you collaborate with after the elections, and which ones will you not?

Other parties lack what we possess. We are unique in our ability to speak to both political and personal principles. Anyone who aligns with our principles and agenda will receive my hand in cooperation. However, there can be no compromises regarding respect for Montenegro, its Constitution, and its symbols, alongside our commitment to protecting Montenegrin identity and the rights of all individuals.

Additionally, we will place significant importance on safeguarding women’s rights and combatting the high rates of violence, mobbing, and discrimination rampant in various parties.

News