The ongoing discord among the Democrats is being highlighted by those who have already split, attempting to mask the internal turmoil and divert attention from another likely loss ahead of them.

This insight was shared with “Vijesti” by the head of the Democrats and Plenum 083 list for the upcoming elections in Nikšić, Nemanja Vuković, referring to the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS).

“In contrast to them, we constitute a serious political entity where unanimity and idolization do not prevail. This marks the significant distinction between democratic and authoritarian political approaches,” he remarked.

Vuković further noted that while their list acknowledges the deeply ingrained tradition of party recruitment, they have been motivated to start reforming “the internal dynamics” over the past four years.

The elections in Nikšić are set for April 13th, featuring ten participating lists.

The visual branding of your campaign list contrasts sharply with that of the Democrats—where red is absent and blue dominates, and no party name is present. Have you deviated from the Democrats in this manner?

The campaign, mirroring our efforts over the last four years, is centered on the people and Nikšić. Our list, “We are all Nikšić,” brings together the most skilled individuals ready to serve all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation. We chose blue for our branding, as it represents the color of the city’s emblem. This choice is intended to highlight the focus on Nikšić and its inhabitants, not to obscure our identity.

Rumors of conflict within the Democrats have surfaced. Is there a conflict, and if not, why is only Momo Koprivica featured prominently in the campaign while Marko Mitrović was removed as president of the Municipal Committee?

This narrative is being amplified by factions that have splintered, including the party leader from the last election—alongside the deputy president and former prime minister—who have now moved to another party, as part of a strategy to conceal their divisions and distract from the impending defeat they face. Unlike them, we are a credible political organization where singularity and idolization are absent. This distinction between democratic and authoritarian political practices is significant.

As you may have observed, President Aleksa Becic and other officials are actively involved in the campaign, as per their responsibilities and capabilities. Momo Koprivica, a local of Nikšić, who serves as the party’s vice president and holds authority and legitimacy among Nikšić’s residents, naturally participates in the campaign.

Changes within the Municipal Board are part of regular organizational practices. Political entities possess an internal life, dynamics, and accountability to their members and supporters. Everything else is mere speculation and narrative spun by those bound to obey the honorary president’s directives. Here, processes function differently.

You frequently claim that you’ve executed 90 percent of your program. What remain unfulfilled, and what would be your first action if you regained power?

We take pride in having fulfilled almost 90 percent of our 2021 agenda, but I’m especially proud of the additional projects we initiated unexpectedly. Every promise made has been honored. Shortly, public transport buses will be operational in Nikšić, fulfilling our pledge to provide free transport for pensioners and people with disabilities. For more than two years, we’ve focused on resolving administrative barriers to facilitate this service. We reconstructed Voja Deretića Street; however, due to the prior government’s installation of a high-voltage cable, relocating it became more expensive than the road reconstruction itself, thus hindering our efforts to build an underpass.

Census data indicates that Nikšić has lost 12,000 residents in 5.7 years. Many claim they will halt the youth exodus. How will you achieve this, how much funding is needed, and when should results be expected?

The statistic you’ve provided is far from just a number to us—it served as a critical warning that we took seriously. Consequently, we immediately raised newborn benefits from 100 to 300 up to 2,000 euros, and with state-level benefits increasing from 1,000 to 2,500 euros at our initiative, we’ve provided substantial family support in Nikšić. Alongside free textbooks, primary school students now receive free school supplies; child allowances for families with three or more children were increased to 1,200 to 2,400 euros annually, and student scholarships have been expanded.

We understand that there isn’t a quick fix to curb the outflow of residents overnight; however, we have a clear strategy to foster conditions conducive to families and young people remaining in our city. We structured our program around this objective and introduced the project “Apartment at the price of construction.” We consistently stress in all appearances that our aim is to retain residents, not lose them. Already, we are witnessing tangible outcomes. In terms of cost, the focus should not be solely on how much it takes to retain young people, but also on the costs incurred by their departure—an enormous toll economically, demographically, and emotionally. Thus, we are addressing this issue systematically and with diligence.

Nikšić was historically an industrial city. Is there potential for new factories? If so, what kind?

Creating new jobs in Nikšić, particularly in manufacturing, is my aspiration. I understand the nostalgia for times when Nikšić was Montenegro’s industrial hub, and I’d like to remind everyone that during my term, the Steelworks returned to state ownership. Today, Nikšić is leading in the energy transition, and I believe numerous jobs will emerge in energy and modern technology sectors moving forward.

However, this requires time and political stability. Upon assuming city management four years prior, we encountered a thoroughly devastated Nikšić. It took these years to establish a functioning system and lay the groundwork. We addressed long-standing issues and created spaces for new investments. It is crucial to acknowledge that an economy cannot be rejuvenated by promises; new investments and jobs sprout where there is law, order, responsible local governance, and a workforce eager to work.

The closure of the Mislov do landfill has not resolved the waste crisis. How will this be tackled?

Shutting down the Mislov do landfill posed significant challenges, as the negligence of our predecessors in addressing this issue attests. I believe we’ve demonstrated competence in managing the city’s affairs effectively. Currently, Nikšić does not possess a landfill, nor will it. Waste is temporarily being transported to the Podgorica landfill “Livade.” Our prudent financial approach allows us to manage these expenditures, as we prioritize citizen health over budgetary concerns. The long-term solution entails constructing a Waste Management Center in partnership with the World Bank and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development.

The Steel Mill issue remains unresolved even after leasing to a Swiss company. Do you advocate for terminating this contract?

Preserving jobs is paramount. Thus, I regard the decision of EPCG (Electric Power Company of Montenegro) to acquire the Steel Plant as immensely significant. Regarding the leasing of the Forge and Steel Plant to the Swiss firm “8B Capital,” I trust that responsible individuals in the Elektroprivreda system will devise the most effective solutions for the company and its employees.

Party employment has been prevalent in local administration under all previous governments, including the current one. Will experts finally replace political appointees?

We acknowledge the deeply entrenched tradition of party employment. However, this motivated us to instigate change internally over the past four years. Dismantling a decades-old system is no easy feat, but we’ve made tangible progress. It was during our term that, for the first time, qualified professionals—not just party loyalists—were appointed to local offices and institutions.

While we don’t claim perfection and recognize there’s room for growth, the distinction between us and previous administrations is our commitment to establishing a system that offers opportunities for all. The statistics from the Employment Agency and Monstat indicate that there are 5,000 more employees in our city than four years ago. Can anyone genuinely believe that all those positions were filled based on party loyalty? An affiliation should neither ensure employment nor result in discrimination.

No collaboration with DPS and its affiliates

In discussing possible post-election coalitions, Vuković stated that they classify political entities “into those serving the people and those serving the mafia.”

“This distinction in our nation is not merely rhetorical; it’s genuinely foundational. There will be no collaboration with DPS or its political affiliates. For three decades, they have ravaged this city, creating division, burdening Nikšić with debt, and turning it into a hub for political commerce and private interests. Nikšić is finally fed up with such governance, and we will never reopen the door to it. We will align with those committed to working in the interests of residents, devoid of threats, privileges, or ulterior motives. Our sole ally is Nikšić, and anyone striving for the welfare of this city and its people is welcomed,” he asserted.

We established foundations; DPS left devastation

What do you consider your contribution, and that of your party, over the past four years?

The Democrats have formed the backbone of governance over the last four years. The contributions from our list members, along with my role as President of the Municipal Assembly, reflect primarily in restoring order, accountability, and a rejuvenated perspective toward public interests. We cannot overlook the conditions we inherited when we assumed control. We encountered empty coffers, significant debts, deep socio-political divides, and unmet promises from the previous administration. We barely had enough funds to cover two salaries. Imagine the challenges of working in such an environment. Yet, we did not seek excuses nor shy away; on the contrary, we proved that governance can be responsible and that politics can serve the populace instead of the reverse. We laid foundational groundwork while DPS left behind ruins. The contribution from my political entity was invaluable.

Combating corruption and crime has boosted budget revenues.

Nikšić has relied on assistance from the Equalization Fund for years. Why is this the case, and will the municipality cease to rely on this fund?

While a substantial share of budget revenues is still sourced from the Equalization Fund, I want to stress that we’ve accomplished much over the past four years to stabilize local finances and enhance the city’s image.

Today, Nikšić is gaining recognition from notable investors. Recently, “BIG Fashion” made its official debut in Nikšić, following “Lidl” and “Noblewood Group.” Additionally, many local entrepreneurs have expanded their operations and generated new jobs. We have established a Business Council aimed at bolstering the local economy and have consistently fostered a conducive environment for reputable businesses.

The fight against corruption and crime, alongside these initiatives, has resulted in an increase in budget revenues, naturally elevating the level of development in this local governance compared to Montenegro’s average. While we cannot definitively state whether the Municipality will continue to receive support from the Equalization Fund next year, it remains a significant resource even for municipalities with larger revenues.

News