If the Civic Movement (CP) URA comes to dominate decision-making in Herceg Novi post-elections, their primary objective will be to overhaul the governance system. This includes initiating amendments to specific legal frameworks addressed to the state parliament.

This was articulated by Nikola Radman, the leader of the party’s electoral list, in an interview with “Vijesti”.

Radman announced that, should GP URA become part of the local government, they will pursue a concession from the state for the Municipality to manage and oversee the Blue Cave. They also plan to implement smart traffic lights and interactive boards to enhance the experience for both residents and tourists during the peak season.

He expressed readiness for post-election collaboration with others who share similar political ideologies.

Elections in Herceg Novi are scheduled for April 13th, with nine lists vying for positions in the local parliament.

What percentage of citizen support do you anticipate in the elections?

We aim to retain the support we garnered in the previous elections. Serving in the local government has demonstrated our commitment to fulfilling our promises. Having previously participated in government with a prime minister from our ranks, we have delivered significant benefits to the city, including the return of the Kamenari-Lepetane ferry line to state ownership under Government Dritan Abazović. We trust that citizens will recognize our contributions and back our list in the upcoming elections.

Which parties do you consider for collaboration post-elections, and who would you avoid?

On the local political landscape, Novi Sad’s URA is distinctly defined, with a clear program, principles, and a well-delineated strategy for the city’s future. Support and partnership will only be extended to those aligned with our political principles.

What will be your immediate action if you are part of the government?

If we emerge as the leading force in decision-making, our priority will be overhauling the local governance management system, which necessitates a series of initiatives directed at the state parliament for amendments to particular legal provisions. Within the first 100 days of the new government, we will advocate for a concession enabling the Municipality to manage and oversee the Blue Cave, a vital asset for our community. Additionally, we will deploy smart traffic lights and interactive boards to facilitate smoother operations for both residents and tourists during the busy season.

Traffic congestion is a significant issue in Herceg Novi, especially during peak tourist seasons. Various solutions have been proposed, including a bypass and an underwater tunnel, which could pose risks to the bay’s UNESCO status. What is your plan to address this issue, and what funding and timeline do you foresee?

It is unrealistic to expect Novi Sad to resolve critical issues like transit traffic and local bypasses without state support, given the substantial funds needed for these projects. The Municipality must persistently pressure the Government of Montenegro to expedite solutions. Simultaneously, we will work on preparing planning documentation within our capital budget, allocate funds for expropriation, and identify local corridors.

Herceg Novi obtains its water supply from Trebinje via Croatia, yet regular cleaning of the pipeline often leads to restrictions due to the inability of the Regional Waterworks to meet our municipality’s needs. If in government, how will you tackle this issue, including the expected timeline and funding?

The seven-day interruptions in water supply from Plat may not be as pressing as ensuring a consistent water supply to the highlands, particularly during summer. Herceg Novi’s water system is overburdened, presenting a critical issue. Currently, we are exploring two options: delivering water through Sitnica to address most concerns and connecting to the regional water supply. Building larger reservoirs in elevated areas, supplied by these pipelines, could resolve the issue entirely. An initial estimate for these projects is around 50 million, potentially achievable in the next two to three years.

The Meljine wastewater collector and treatment plant projects were scheduled for completion in 2014, costing approximately 40 million euros, yet they remain unfinished. Many homes discharge waste directly into the sea. Will this facility be completed in the next four years, and who is accountable for the delays, especially given your party’s past governance?

The main sewer collector and treatment plant exemplify the failures of local government management. Despite nearly two decades, the issues remain unresolved, with no clear end in sight. There’s no accountability, as funds have been consistently mismanaged, leading to stagnation. Those unwilling to instigate the necessary reforms bear responsibility, and I believe citizens can discern that.

Will you work to eliminate party-focused employment in local government and businesses, and how?

Party-based recruitment is a systemic issue that undermines the entire framework. For years, we have advocated for changes to the Law on Local Self-Government, electoral laws, the restructuring of local communities, and various other legislative amendments to eradicate this dysfunctional system. The established parties from previous regimes, along with some from the current majority, resist these reforms as they threaten the status quo.

Do you support relocating the hospital near the tunnel in Meljine, or do you believe in preserving the existing facility?

We fully endorse the construction of a new city hospital near the old tunnel in Meljine. The current hospital lacks the necessary aspects for investment. The legal status of the property is uncertain, and the buildings are outdated, failing to meet the minimal standards for a contemporary city hospital.

The Jadran Water Polo Club, the most successful sports team in Herceg Novi, played European matches in Trebinje last season due to the Simo Milošević Institute swimming pool being out of commission since 2021. When can we expect European water polo to return to Herceg Novi? What has delayed the pool’s reconstruction, given its prolonged disrepair?

This will occur when individuals of integrity assume key positions.

Are you satisfied with the government’s restructuring plan for the Simo Milošević Institute? Which elements do you find problematic and which do you consider positive?

How can we express satisfaction with the restructuring plan for the “Dr. Simo Milošević” Institute? If not for the actions of minority shareholder Zarko Rakcevic, the 44th Government would have possibly sold half of the Institute’s assets by now. The ongoing discussions about the spa are akin to plans for constructing a new elementary school at the site of the children’s department—it’s all a façade, and we assert this with conviction.

Thousands of Illegal Structures Erected

How many investments have been lost due to inadequate planning documentation, and how will you ensure its adoption?

Inadequate planning documentation has facilitated the rise of thousands of illegally constructed buildings over the past decade in our municipality. The lack of essential infrastructure, overdevelopment in focal areas, particularly in regions where residential constructions have supplanted tourist facilities, and an investment cycle that fell short of expectations result from this absence of documentation.

Our program highlights this issue significantly. With the recent adoption of the new Law on Spatial Planning, it is imperative to promptly establish a company dedicated to drafting planning documentation. Current capacities within the Construction Agency cannot meet the anticipated demands for personnel and technology.

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