Željko Komnenović, the President of the Municipality of Tivat, has stepped down from his position on the Tender Commission for the airport concession.

He cited dissatisfaction with the Government’s recent amendment to the Bill on Amending the Law on Financing Local Government, which significantly lowers the portion of municipal revenue from concession fees related to general goods use, particularly airports, from 70 percent to 20 percent.

“This measure is unjust to Tivat, and as the mayor who has actively participated in the Tender Commission, working to safeguard the city’s interests, I must protest against this drastic fee reduction. Furthermore, my proposal to amend the Concession Act itself was ignored. Hence, I am irrevocably resigning from this Commission,” stated Komnenović.

He noted that he was appointed as a representative of the Association of Municipalities of Montenegro and is requesting the Association to select a new representative.

As per the Municipality of Tivat’s communication, he emphasized that the concession fee proposed, which dates back to 2018, is outdated.

“In the last seven years, both the global and regional economies have encountered significant changes that are well-recognized by every citizen. The value of the concession set in 2018 is no longer applicable today. I also believe that the Municipality of Tivat should have a more substantial role in this process. There isn’t a resident of Tivat who opposes the modernization of Tivat Airport and the enhancement of its operations; we must work together to achieve the best outcome,” he added.

Komnenović further elaborated on property concerns:

“It seems to be overlooked, yet it is important to remember that Tivat Airport was built by the Municipality of Tivat in collaboration with the JAT company, not by the state. The state, in truth, fulfilled its legal obligation by providing compensation for expropriated private properties,” the Mayor of Tivat remarked.

He raised questions regarding the fate of 50,000 square meters of municipal property.

“Where do Tivat’s interests stand in all of this? We, in local government, must advocate for this part of the city to become a new opportunity for growth rather than compromising one of the state’s key economic assets,” he stressed.

Komnenović affirmed that both he and the Municipality of Tivat are open to collaboration with the Government and its bodies, endorsing economic reforms and new initiatives that break from past policies.

He urged the Government to retract this amendment, allowing municipalities to generate revenue consistent with current legal frameworks.

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