According to Genci Nimanbegu, the Mayor of Ulcinj, the city is not for sale, and its historical significance, identity, and natural resources cannot be compromised for narrow interests. He made this assertion during a press conference held today.

A protest is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th at noon on Mala Plaza instead of the usual local parliament session, inviting participation from the mayor and representatives from all political parties within the city.

During the press conference, Nimanbegu emphasized their demand for transparency and involvement in the decision-making process, advocating for investments that do not adversely affect the interests of Ulcinj.

“April’s first Saturday marks Ulcinj Day, celebrated with a festive program featuring guests from across the nation and region, along with representatives of the diplomatic corps and local citizens. However, due to the neglect of the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly’s positions, we have decided to host this session of the Municipal Assembly on Mala Plaza, alongside our citizens and friends. We have canceled nearly all celebratory activities save for those intended for our children, who deserve joy from our efforts,” stated Nimanbegu, as reported by Media Biro.

He also recalled that two sessions of the local parliament had already taken place, during which they clearly outlined the types of investments needed in Ulcinj, rejecting the proposed “megainvestment”.

“Despite these discussions, the Government has continued to make decisions about our future and that of our children via WhatsApp, disregarding European standards. This is why we will celebrate Ulcinj Day on Saturday by standing together with the citizens at the Riva. We believe these decisions are harmful and must not be validated,” he explained.

Attending the conference were representatives of all political parties in Ulcinj, who shared common concerns and fears with Nimanbegu, collectively asserting that Ulcinj is not for sale.

“The municipal assembly has unanimously expressed the type of investments we seek. Today, we come forth with a unified voice: all of Ulcinj stands together. Our message to the Government is unmistakable: we support investments and development, but not under terms that jeopardize Ulcinj’s interests. We insist on transparency and a participative decision-making process—no unilateral decisions about our city’s future will be tolerated. Ulcinj is not for sale. Our identity, history, and natural resources cannot be sacrificed for anyone’s narrow interests,” Nimanbegu asserted.

He clarified that the protest planned for Saturday “is not politically driven,” but rather “a citizens’ protest focused on Ulcinj’s future.”

“Tourism serves the public interest, yet residential development does not. We wish to foster tourism but not at the cost of nature, not at the expense of Ulcinj families and their livelihoods, nor at the expense of future generations. We aim to create new job opportunities in diverse sectors such as IT, nautical services, health care, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Our goal is to develop Ulcinj in a manner that fosters a sustainable economy and provides jobs for everyone,” Nimanbegu articulated.

He noted that Ulcinj requires immediate support, emphasizing that the clear position and backing of President Jakov Milatović are significant to them. He anticipates receiving further support from officials, ambassadors, and “friends of Ulcinj” on Saturday as well.

“Everyone who cares about Ulcinj from all over Montenegro is welcome. We believe that the message we are conveying to the Government is powerful. Its strength stems not only from the conclusions and decisions made by the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly but also from the unity among political entities and all citizens, regardless of nationality. Every Government must take our response earnestly,” Nimanbegu concluded.

During the conference, leaders from all political parties, including Ivana Popović, President of the Municipal Assembly, urged citizens and “all who cherish Ulcinj” to join the protest on Saturday, as reported by Media Biro.

“Our decision to commemorate City Day in this format is a reflection of our concern and responsibility for Ulcinj’s future. Projects like this raise serious doubts regarding transparency, sustainability, and the preservation and enhancement of tourism in Ulcinj. Our city deserves the right to develop, provided it aligns with the needs and desires of its citizens,” she stated.

Mehmed Zenka, the president of the Democratic Union of Albanians, remarked that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić “has achieved a singular outcome with his approach towards Ulcinj.”

“To start with, he has united all political factions in Ulcinj, which had failed for decades to find common ground. However, now we all speak in unison and declare – Ulcinj is not for sale. No one is considering the tens of billions of euros that Ulcinj residents have invested in their homes and future, yet with one signature, a single individual has attempted to dictate the fate of our entire city,” Zenka stated.

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