The “Work for My City” voter group is urging the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture to relocate from Podgorica to Nikšić.

This voter group is actively participating in the upcoming local elections in Nikšić, set for April 13th.

“For years, politicians have claimed to champion the balanced development of Montenegro. While we hear their words, we see little action. The truth is evident in the numerous empty homes and vacant apartments in Nikšić, the deserted streets, shuttered factories, and schools that have turned into relics of the past rather than hubs for the future. This situation reflects systemic inequality—the centralization and concentration of power and resources in Podgorica, leaving other cities stranded in political promises and neglect,” stated the voter group.

They assert that for decades, Nikšić served as the industrial, economic, and cultural backbone of the country, a city that contributed significantly without receiving its due. Now, they lament, instead of accolades, Nikšić is left with mere scraps from Podgorica, facing indifference and disdain from central authorities “who have forgotten the city that filled their coffers, erected factories, generated power, and sustained the state.”

“Therefore, we demand the transfer of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture to Nikšić. It is imperative that these institutions return to their rightful place—a city that nurtured them and understands their significance. Nikšić was not chosen without reason: it is the core of Montenegro’s energy sector and can equally become the hub for its agriculture, given its existing infrastructure, workforce, and expertise,” they added.

The group also outlined the potential benefits of relocating these ministries to Nikšić, including new job opportunities, economic development, enhanced local infrastructure, improved connections to the actual challenges faced by farmers and the energy sector, relief for Podgorica which is currently burdened by congestion and inefficiency, and the promotion of Nikšić as a regional center for growth and innovation.

They are calling on the Government to clarify its stance on decentralization and the possibility of moving the ministries of energy and agriculture to Nikšić, as well as to announce a timeline for when the necessary infrastructure and legal frameworks will be established for this relocation.

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