The head of the European Union (EU) list for the upcoming local elections, Ivan Radojicic, stated that Nikšić is currently a city fractured by an outdated ideological framework, perpetuated by “incompetent, unqualified, and ill-intentioned individuals.”

“When a city is led by skilled and professional people capable of addressing its genuine issues, the artificial narrative created by those lacking knowledge and goodwill will cease to exist,” Radojičić remarked in an interview with “Vijesti”.

He noted that for any potential post-election coalition, they will reach out to political entities willing to embrace fundamental principles of accountability, transparency, and legal respect, focusing on the public’s interest over narrow political agendas.

Radojičić emphasized that significant achievements could be realized swiftly in the spheres of culture and sports.

The European Alliance comprises the Social Democrats, the Social Democratic Party, the Liberal Party, and the Citizens.

Voting in Nikšić and Herceg Novi is scheduled for April 13th.

After your departure from Pozitivna, your political activities ceased, but your social endeavors continued. What prompted your return to politics?

My involvement with the European Union has exposed opportunities to realize various ideas that I value, concerning the contemporary environment we can influence. I believe that the local political landscape needs rejuvenation, introducing new, non-partisan figures to challenge the entrenched party structures and infuse new value into this social arena.

We exist in a time filled with absurdities, particularly visible in the political sphere. This is evident in the frequent disconnect between parties’ stated commitments to democratic processes and their rigid organizational structures. Thus, a non-partisan approach and openness are crucial for cultivating a healthier, value-driven social environment.

As a family man, entrepreneur, and enthusiast, I am deeply connected to my hometown and Montenegro by choice. I am the type of individual who gives their all when it’s most essential. I aspire to engage actively and responsibly in upcoming developments, inviting fellow citizens who share similar values to join me.

If you were to prioritize actions in the city, what stands out the most?

Over the past two decades, Nikšić has endured economic, demographic, and cultural decline.

I am certain that substantial results can be achieved in a relatively short time within culture and sports. From day one, I will fully commit to these and similar initiatives. Effective local governance is unattainable without creative minds, the NGO sector, and professional associations committed to the city’s well-being.

The “Bedem 360” project has been shelved for six years, yet it will be one of my main priorities moving forward. The valorization of the historical Onogošt fortress is essential; without this, Nikšić is merely a semi-city, lacking a historical foundation and identity.

What strategies would you implement to prevent the exodus of young people?

Establishing a supportive economic and social framework is vital for retaining youth and enabling them to flourish within their city. We advocate for policies that foster entrepreneurship, allowing young people to launch their own ventures through incentives and administrative guidance. Improving life quality, infrastructure, and social conditions, alongside creating a nurturing environment for family development, is critical. Enhancing cultural, social, and sports facilities is imperative for keeping young people in Nikšić and involved in its growth.

A systemic approach encompassing economic, educational, social, and cultural dimensions is essential to cultivate an environment where youth can thrive and envision a future in Nikšić.

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

The initial phase in forming a strategy for opening factories and revitalizing industry in our city requires a comprehensive assessment of our present economic, infrastructural, and market conditions. We must consider available resources and the specific needs and opportunities our city presents. Furthermore, the existing infrastructure and skilled workforce must be acknowledged. Unrealistic promises will not be made to citizens; rather, an honest analysis conducted post-election will yield a realistic view of what is feasible during our term.

The Mislov do landfill, the city’s largest ecological issue, has been closed, yet the waste predicament persists. What is your solution?

Regarding the Mislov do landfill, it is crucial to remain objective. This has been a longstanding issue beyond local governance for decades and is complex to resolve. The current administration’s closure of the landfill is merely a preliminary step in addressing the issue. However, if one landfill is closed only for smaller ones to arise, or waste is stored in abandoned facilities, it does not solve but disguises the problem for political gain. A comprehensive solution necessitates collaborative efforts from the state, local authorities, and civil society.

Will you tackle the issue of party patronage in local administration and businesses? Are we ready as a society for experts rather than partisan appointees?

Local governance is hindered by bureaucracy that thrives at the expense of the private sector. Public enterprises, though supposedly autonomous, remain reliant on their founding institutions, i.e., the Municipality. These entities often become political tools housing individuals lacking competence and productivity. Professional, non-partisan management is essential for recovery and achieving complete financial autonomy. This demanding process must commence to enable resolution in the future. My team and I are prepared to face this challenge.

The Steel Plant’s issues remain unresolved following failed privatizations and leasing to a Swiss company. Should this contract be terminated?

The steel plant currently serves as a means of appeasing social unrest without a clear vision for resolution. The existing contract’s details are obscure, preventing me from offering informed commentary. Some production facilities have potential, yet they lack the supportive environment required for realization.

How do we move beyond identity/national issues and focus on tangible progress?

Nikšić is a city conflicted by an obsolete ideological perspective imposed by unqualified, unprofessional, and ultimately ill-intentioned individuals. When governance is in the hands of professional and capable people focused on addressing the community’s genuine needs, the artificial narrative contrived by those bereft of knowledge, skills, and goodwill will dissipate.

Which specific parties or movements would you consider collaborating with after the elections, and which ones would you reject?

The European Union is dedicated to upholding constitutionality, adhering to legal statutes, promoting transparency, and establishing meritocracy across all government and social levels. These principles will not be negotiable; they serve as the foundation for our political future. We are reaching out to political entities willing to embrace the core tenets of accountability, transparency, and legality, focusing on public interests over narrow political motives. The citizens of Nikšić deserve governance that rises above political deals and is solely guided by their needs and the city’s welfare.

I hope Nikšić achieves city status at the earliest opportunity.

The municipality of Nikšić has relied on the Equalization Fund for years. Why has this persisted? How efficient is the local government at tax collection?

Decentralizing the entire system is impossible without amending the relevant laws. Political will is necessary for this resolution. A non-politician would likely endorse prompt remediation. I wish for Nikšić to attain city status soon, leveraging its natural resources for revenue. However, I remain skeptical about how realistic this aspiration is for the near future.

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