A significant protest took place today on the Pristan plateau in Ulcinj, opposing the Government of Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s plan to lease Velika Plaža beach for 99 years to an Arab-backed company.

Ulcinj had planned to hold a ceremonial Municipal Assembly session to celebrate Municipal Day, the first Saturday in April, which marks the departure of sailors, the start of the season, and the conclusion of the olive harvest. However, Mayor Genci Nimanbegu stated there was no reason for celebration.

All festivities planned for Municipal Day were canceled, except those for children.

President of the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly, Ivana Jančić Popović, declared that instead of a celebratory session, she would “open a protest today.”

“We have a quorum; the councilors and the public are here. This quorum gives significance to our actions. I am initiating this protest because we cannot celebrate while citizens’ wills are overlooked. There is no occasion for ceremony when decisions are made against the public interest,” stated Jančić Popović.

The Pristan plateau overflowed with protesters, who carried banners reading “Ulcinj is not your emirate, Spajić,” “Ulcinj is not for sale,” “We grew up here; our children will too,” and “Our beach, our pride”…

The Municipal Council President emphasized that decisions should be made collaboratively, not for others. “A city’s history is its foundation, and its future is a duty. Citizens’ voices need to be heard; our decisions should focus solely on the public good,” said Jančić Popović.

SDP President Naser Resulbegović urged Spajić to stop insulting citizens’ common sense.

“End this now. We’re tired of those meant to protect citizens’ interests but instead serve investors,” said Resulbegović.

Ćazim Hodžić, president of the Ulcinj Social Democrats, claimed Spajić’s proposal was not genuine development.

“Instead of preparing for the season, we’re fighting for our freedom and identity,” remarked Hodžić.

Dritan Abazović, President and MP of the Civic Movement URA, said Ulcinj cannot celebrate Municipal Day because it is “under siege.”

“To the deceiver Spajić — keep your hands off Velika Plaza; you won’t take even a grain of sand,” warned Abazović.

He urged minority parties in the government to choose a side, emphasizing there’s no room for indecision.

“You are either with Ulcinj and its people or with the thieves; there’s no compromise,” said Abazović.

DUA President Mehmed Zenka remarked that Ulcinj is on the brink due to one individual.

“Spajić treats Ulcinj as a stock market to buy and sell at will,” stated Zenka, highlighting that Velika Plaza is critical for Ulcinj’s existence.

He reminded Spajić that the people of Ulcinj carry forward their ancestors’ legacy.

“Don’t push us to our limits. We will defend this city, even if it costs our lives,” Zenka asserted.

Mayor Genci Nimanbegu assessed that Ulcinj is facing its greatest challenge ever.

“Someone intends to alienate our property for 90 years. We will not allow that,” emphasized Nimanbegu.

The decision to hold a protest instead of celebrating was unavoidable as the city has never been more threatened.

“This gathering is just a part of our commitment to defend what belongs to us, inherited from our ancestors, for our future generations. We will safeguard this city at all costs,” stated Nimanbegu.

He reiterated that Spajić is misrepresenting the Ulcinj Municipal Council’s conclusions.

“They adopted some points, but those rejecting the megaproject and land alienation were disregarded. I urge politicians in Podgorica to realize this. Spajić has turned the entire city against him, but the message is clear. Ulcinj stands united, backed by all Montenegrins. This should reach politicians who wish to decide without engaging the public, without proper analysis, and deny us a say,” stated Nimanbegu.

The meeting also featured addresses from local leaders, including the Democratic Party of Socialists’ president Arjan Ljamović, Saubih Mehmeti from the Democratic Alliance, Damir Raščić from the Bosniak Party, MP Artan Čobi, and NGO activists Džemal Perović, Aleksandar Dragićević, and Jovana Janjušević.

The Public Company for Coastal Zone Management (JP) awarded “Eagle Hills Properties,” an Arab-backed firm, the contract for nine interconnected beaches on Velika Plaza. This company is founded by billionaire Mohamed Alabar from the UAE, known for “Emaar Properties.”

Zenka disclosed that during a meeting with Ulcinj municipality leaders, Spajić explained Arab investors’ wish to lease the entire Velika Plaža for 99 years, spanning from Port Milena to the Bojana River’s mouth.

Đeka: If the proposal passes, I will no longer be part of the Government

Fatmir Đeka, Minister in Spajić’s government and Democratic Party president, stated if the proposal succeeds, he will resign from the government.

He expressed gratitude to councilors who unanimously supported resolutions regarding the lease of Velika Plaza.

“If you ask me, despite hearing today that we should leave the Government, I will say we remain to fulfill our vision with valid arguments. If things go awry, of course, I will not stay,” said Đeka.

Čapuni: We will not be servants in the land of our ancestors

Force MP Ilir Čapuni asserted that the message from the meeting was clear.

“Let it be known that we have never been, nor will we be, naive or submissive. We will not be servants in the land of our ancestors,” Čapuni declared.

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