The proposal for northern municipalities to assume control over their natural and economic resources from the state lacks economic logic and appears to be a political maneuver aimed at resource control, which could facilitate electoral manipulation, according to sources from “Vijesti”.

University of Donja Gorica lecturer Nikoleta Djukanovic noted that Montenegro has yet to see politicians or parties that genuinely prioritize citizens’ interests or municipal resources.

“The decentralization we are witnessing and the effort to control natural resources at the local level is merely a contest for resource dominance that can be exploited for electoral advantages by the governing parties in the municipalities,” commented Đukanović on the initiative from the Mayor of Nikšić Municipality, Marko Kovačević (New Serbian Democracy).

Kovačević mentioned on June 30 that municipalities like Nikšić, Pljevlja, Plužine, and Rožaje need to assert their stance on managing their resources. He expressed intentions to discuss this topic with the mayors of these municipalities, two of which are governed by the NSD (Nikšić and Pljevlja).

His initiative received backing on Wednesday from his party colleagues, including the mayor of Pljevlja Municipality Dario Vranes and messenger Jelena Božović.

Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Nikola Rakočević emphasized that the current situation represents blatant political trading. He asserted that the former Democratic Front, facing pressure to reorganize the Coastal Zone, is threatening to seize additional economic resources in northern municipalities to secure more political power and influence for themselves, which could translate into increased personal financial gain.

“Ultimately, it all culminates in that, and I don’t see this initiative making any economic sense. If it did, we (DPS) would have proposed such a reorganization ourselves,” Rakočević remarked. He added that no country in the region or in the European Union divides its territory in this manner and allocates it “into independent autonomous regions.”

Kovačević’s initiative reacts to demands from leaders of coastal governments who want decisions regarding the coast to be made on a local level rather than by the Maritime Domain, following the Assembly’s agenda inclusion of the Proposal for Amendments to the Maritime Domain Law on June 26.

During this session, 44 MPs voted in favor of adding the proposal to the agenda, while nine opposed it, and one abstained.

Opposition to the initiative came from NSD deputies, including Andrija Mandic, Jovan Vučurović, Vaso Obradović, Bojana Pican, Velimir Djokovic, and Milica Rondović, along with DNP’s Milan Knezevic, Vladislav Bojović, and Jelena Kljajević. Bogdan Božović of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) also expressed reservations.

The proposed amendments were submitted by MPs in March, including Ilir Chapuni (Albanian Alliance), Mehmed Zenka (Democratic Union of Albanians), Increasing Čob (Albanian Forum), Amer Smailovic (Bosniak Party), and Momcilo Leković (Democrats).

The proposed plan suggests transforming the Public Company for Coastal Zone Management, currently led by Mladen Mikijelj (NSD), into a limited liability company established by the Government of Montenegro.

This plan proposes that municipalities “regularly manage the coastal zone within their territory,” including responsibilities such as establishing plans for bathing areas with service facilities, managing ports of local significance, issuing permits for coastal zone use, and overseeing transportation and concessions in local ports.

Kovačević stated, as reported by Radio-Television Nikšić, that if coastal municipalities aim for independent management of the coast, then Northern municipalities should also have the right to manage their resources, including those belonging to the Electric Power Company of Montenegro, along with forests, waters, and minerals endemic to these areas.

Nikoleta Đukanović highlighted the case of Morski dobro as a prime illustration of political party attempts to control and misuse resources meant for citizens and communities rather than electoral candidates.

“This proposal comes from northern municipalities, especially those led by politicians aligned with the authorities in Belgrade and opposing the Montenegrin identity. It would be especially telling if such ideas materialize, particularly from an elite that denies the legitimacy of this state while simultaneously accepting the functions it implies,” Đukanović stated.

Nikola Rakočević reiterated that without the Coastal Zone, the former DF parties would lose a crucial political asset.

He also noted an identity-driven trend, reinforced by economic motives, pushing for the establishment of so-called independent autonomous regions.

“The concern escalates considering these individuals have yet to accept Montenegro’s status as an independent state,” Rakočević remarked.

He suggested that this is the underlying reason for the interest in Šavnik, stating that an overarching goal is to consolidate what they perceive as autonomous Serbian regions. The elections in Šavnik, initiated on October 23, 2022, could not be completed as polling station members from the opposition coalition “For the Future of Šavnik,” led by the former Democratic Front, barred some newly registered voters, nicknamed electoral tourists from voting.

Rakočević questioned whether these political factions genuinely formulate policy in their municipalities.

“No. They rely on those who falsely claim to represent the civic Europe Now Movement. I exclude the Democrats, as they still align with the politics of the DF. But Europe Now professes their intent to establish a civic Montenegro, asserting that should anyone attempt otherwise, they will oppose such efforts,” Rakočević explained.

“Vijesti” awaits responses from PES and the Government regarding their stance on Marko Kovačević’s initiative.

Separatism or a Fight for Serbian Identity

Vraneš frequently communicates messages suggesting that the Pljevlja municipality is part of Serbia and that Montenegro has no relevance to the local happenings.

He, along with the President of the Pljevlja Municipal Assembly, Jovana Tošić, inaugurated a newly constructed roundabout in the city on June 7, naming it “Mala Slavija.” The opening ceremony featured girls in Serbian folk costumes as he cut the ribbon.

Since being elected mayor of Pljevlja at the end of April 2023, Vraneš has made several controversial moves. He proposed celebrating St. Petka’s Day, a church holiday, as the Municipality Day and marked Serbian Statehood Day with a ceremonial event last year, asserting that this does not amount to denying Montenegrin independence but represents “the right of the Serbian people.”

Last year, Vraneš shared an Instagram post featuring a photo with Marko Kovačević and an NSD MP, alongside the song “Get ready, get ready, Chetniks.” He referred to the gathering as “a small but selected company.”

Kovačević has faced investigations for his statements, with the latest occurring on June 16 of last year regarding alleged hate speech. To pursue charges against him, it was necessary to remove his parliamentary immunity, but the Administrative Committee of Parliament never addressed the matter.

Given his election as mayor of Nikšić, Kovačević should resign from his parliamentary position, ultimately leaving him without parliamentary immunity.

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