Šućo Orahovac, a member of the Executive Board of the City Committee of the Europe Now Movement (PES) Podgorica, stated today that the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, is adopting a stance that contradicts the interests of Ulcinj.

“In light of the President of Montenegro’s remarks, we feel compelled to communicate with the public, particularly with representatives from the civic sector, citizens, and the media, to clarify the facts and uphold the public interest. The President, who was part of the political initiative that led to this investment agreement, is now opposing the interests of Ulcinj—one of the most vulnerable cities in terms of development and employment,” emphasized Orahovac in his statement.

He further noted that the agreement with investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is neither confidential nor unlawful.

“In fact, it fully complies with Montenegrin laws. Thus, we find it inappropriate to leverage a political role to incite tensions and undermine a development process that the citizens of Ulcinj view as an opportunity rather than a threat. The NGO sector understands the necessity for every development initiative to be grounded in the rule of law and social justice. Social justice also signifies that Ulcinj should no longer be overlooked, and its residents deserve access to work, infrastructure, and a dignified life,” stated Orahovac.

He mentioned that they are not requesting anything outside the legal framework, but rather that the law should apply equally to everyone.

“The citizens of Ulcinj, similar to many local communities across Montenegro, deserve to be treated as partners of the state, not as pawns in political maneuvers,” Orahovac remarked.

Earlier today, Milatović claimed that the Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism and Real Estate Development between Montenegro and the UAE contradicts fundamental laws of our country and must therefore be regarded as illegal.

During his visit to Ulcinj, Milatović met with the Mayor of the Municipality, Gencij Nimanbegu, the President of the Municipal Assembly, Ivana Popović, the Vice President of the Municipality, Petar Delić, the Secretary for Urbanism and Spatial Planning, Škeljzen Sulejmani, and representatives of the councilors’ clubs.

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