The Boka Forum (BF) aims to act as an oversight entity in local governance while promoting enhanced decentralization of public finances to benefit local communities, as well as advocating for the establishment of a regional community among Boka municipalities.

This perspective was shared in an interview with “Vijesti” by Milovan Bazdar, the leader of the BF list for the upcoming elections in Herceg Novi.

Bazdar mentioned that if they assume power after the local elections, they will champion the transfer of Coastal Zone competencies to local communities, push for a spatial and urban plan (SUP), and implement e-government initiatives within the municipality…

He stated that, regarding post-election collaboration, their prerequisite is “a consensus on the foundational principles of civic ideology devoid of any national affiliations.”

Herceg Novi’s elections are set for April 13, with nine lists vying for positions in the local parliament.

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

During the previous local elections in 2021, BF participated in a coalition with the Civic Movement URA, resulting in two councilor mandates for their joint list. Now, having chosen to run independently, they are realistically aiming to secure a seat in the new local parliament.

Which parties would you consider collaborating with after the elections, and which ones would you not?

We aspire to gauge the level of support from our esteemed citizens towards our genuine policy, which focuses on being a supervisory entity in the realm of local governance, emphasizing professionalism and commitment to the cultural heritage of Boka. We strongly advocate for greater decentralization of the entire public finance system to benefit local communities and support the establishment of a regional community among Boka municipalities. This initiative is promoted as a project for the legitimate autonomy of Boka in economic, administrative, and cultural respects.

In a potential post-election coalition, our condition is an agreement on the fundamental principles of civic ideology, free from any nationalistic overtures. We will not entertain any form of nationalistic rhetoric, as we recognize that Herceg Novi and the entire Boka Bay represent a multicultural and multiconfessional community.

What will be your initial action if you achieve power?

If we become part of the government, our priority will be to swiftly address core development barriers, including the transfer of Coastal Zone competencies to local communities; the adoption of the Regional Development Plan and several subordinate plans; the introduction of e-governance within municipal administration; and the establishment of a dedicated municipal team to tackle pressing issues – such as the city hospital, the “Simo Milošević” Institute, and the bypass.

One significant issue in Herceg Novi is traffic congestion, which escalates during tourist season. A bypass and underground tunnel have been proposed as solutions. How do you plan to tackle this issue if part of the government?

The construction of a bypass is critical for tourism growth and economic sustainability in Novi, hence we will advocate for forming a local team (comprising politicians and professionals) to develop this initiative, which includes addressing the operational issues of the city hospital until its completion and overseeing the project.

Herceg Novi’s water supply originates from Trebinje via Croatia, leading to frequent restrictions during annual hydrotunnel maintenance, as the Regional Water Supply Company of the Montenegrin Coast struggles to meet the needs of the municipality. Should you step into government, what measures will you take to resolve this issue, within what timeline, and with what financial outlay?

In terms of water supply, the optimal long-term solution may involve constructing a pipeline directly connecting Trebinje municipality to the Sutorina water station, and we are prepared to support such an endeavor. Naturally, we advocate for professional input in this process.

The Meljine wastewater collector and treatment plant projects were slated for completion in 2014, with approximately 40 million euros already invested, yet they remain unfulfilled. Will this facility be completed within the next four years, and who do you attribute the failure to, considering your involvement in government?

The construction project for the wastewater treatment plant and associated sewage collector system has regrettably been incomplete and fraught with issues. I believe the primary responsibility lies with the supervisory entities involved: the “Dalem” company, backed by the creditor “KfW” bank, and the “Vodacom” company. Additionally, the municipality should have engaged its own supervisory body. Moving forward, expert involvement is essential to formulate a final resolution.

Will you eliminate partisan employment practices in local government and businesses? If so, how?

Enhancing the quality and efficiency of municipal administration is a central priority for the BF. This can be accomplished by prioritizing criteria of expertise over loyalty and party affiliation. Moreover, work results must be measurable to determine whether individuals retain their official roles. The introduction of e-governance would significantly streamline the system and may reduce workforce requirements. We emphasize reducing administrative costs, alongside implementing a new decision on the organizational methods in local self-governments aimed at diminishing organizational units based on the public service requirements rather than the needs of political affiliates, a persistent issue in the current administration.

Do you support the construction of a new hospital near the tunnel in Meljine, or would you prefer to enhance the existing facility?

Whether a new hospital is built near the tunnel or the existing military hospital is refurbished, it is crucial that professional evaluations determine which option is more economically viable, ensuring that the hospital meets the city’s highest functional standards.

How many investment opportunities have been lost due to inadequate planning documentation, and what steps will you take to ensure its timely adoption?

The absence of planning documents severely hampers development. Consequently, we often resort to ad hoc building permits based on state documents or local development decisions related to public interest facilities. For example, the state greenlit a massive hotel construction by the “Carina” company, despite its misalignment with the urban architectural vision of Baošić, threatening the coastal environment. It appears that even state authority struggles to rein in the excesses of “Carina.” We favor new hotels, provided they align in scale and vision with the authentic identity of Novi and Boka Kotorska. The municipality, alongside the Ministry, bears critical responsibility for failing to update the PUP. If we join the government, we will not permit such negligence. We are staunchly opposed to extensive urbanization modeled after Budva, which has, unfortunately, gained traction in our country.

The renowned sports team Water Polo Club “Jadran” played their European matches in Trebinje last season due to the unavailability of the Institute’s swimming pool since 2021. When do you anticipate the return of European water polo to Herceg Novi?

Regarding the pride of Herceg Novi, the sports club “Jadran,” we advocate for constructing a new Olympic swimming pool at a suitable location, which ideally should have been done instead of the one at Škver.

The plans for the Institute appear to be a pre-electoral motivator for the voters of the Nova Lista party.

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

The government’s restructuring plan for the Institute is based on commendable intentions, but it seems it was not executed by sufficiently qualified personnel. The idea of settlement for past debts through funding and debt conversion without a comprehensive plan for economic rehabilitation and reaching a critical level of economic sustainability raises concerns. Investment should only occur after prompt measures are taken to reduce unproductive costs.

Hence, if we do not uphold economic sustainability and necessary profitability from the outset (as continuity in investments depends on this foundation), it is unrealistic to expect the Institute to regain its former status. I fear that the entire narrative surrounding the Institute, directed by the Prime Minister-in-training, Milojko Spajić, is merely a pre-election ploy aimed at voters of the New List, which he backs. This concern deepens as the state budget deficit remains considerable, and the continuation of the Spajić government’s excessive state borrowing looms.

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