The proposal by independent MP Jevrosima Pejović regarding the Bill for Ratifying the Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, concerning tourism and real estate collaboration, was rejected by the Legislative Committee.

Seven MPs chose to abstain from the vote.

The session was briefly suspended due to a lack of quorum after one deputy left.

At the start of the discussion, Pejović expressed her hope that Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić would demonstrate integrity from the outset of his term and refrain from any undemocratic actions such as calling for a vote on the agreement while MPs were attendees of the Legislative Committee session.

She warned that labeling these projects as public interest could bypass legal frameworks, risking scenarios where construction could occur adjacent to national parks, putting their UNESCO status at risk.

“We could find ourselves in a situation where an investor obtains hotel permits in ten days and then requires my land for parking, so it would be in the state’s interest to hand it over,” stated Pejović.

The committee witnessed a uproar after Europe Now Movement (PES) MP Darko Dragović dismissed Pejović’s claims. She reiterated that the government holds the right to expropriate property deemed in the public interest.

“Dear citizens, they intend to equate hotels and apartments in Ulcinj with roads,” she remarked.

Session Interrupted Due to Lack of Quorum

Following the uproar, MP Duško Stijepović (Democrats) insisted that respect and integrity were lacking, arguing that Pejović needed to provide substantive evidence. Committee Chairman Dragan Bojović invited Pejović to conclude her remarks.

“You wouldn’t even match up to me with your tactics,” she retorted to Stijepović.

Stijepović pointed out that during his previous session as chair, discussions extended for eight hours, and now he was faced with claims of private discussions.

He voiced concerns about accusations aimed at those close to Pejović and warned against retaliatory commentaries from his party’s supporters.

Pejović expressed her dismay at what she perceived as Stijepović’s intimidation.

“I understand it’s been a tough day for you. It’s hard to face your reflection in the morning,” she said, prompting Stijepović to exit, thus declaring a lack of quorum.

Pejović highlighted the danger of PES internet profiles disparaging MANS director Vanja Ćalović Marković, asserting familiarity with PESU’s operations.

The session resumed, with Bojović affirming that every interested committee member would receive their due three minutes as per the procedural rules.

Pejović noted that Stijepović’s exit should serve as a cautionary tale, advocating for zero tolerance towards such behaviors. While acknowledging the emotional weight of important issues, she emphasized that women remain a minority in parliament and should not have to face threats publicly.

“We all recognize the risks posed by categorizing anything related to this project as state interest,” Pejović stated.

“This is Just the Beginning of the Struggle”

MP Filip Adžić (URA) remarked that many detrimental decisions were avoided thanks to civic activists and NGOs.

“This is merely the beginning of a battle we will ultimately win, as you compromised at the first hurdle by declaring no construction will occur in municipalities opposed to it. You have testimonies from residents of Sveti Stefan, Buljarica, Jaz… It is clear that when citizens advocate for their interests, no government figure or parliamentary majority can undermine Montenegro,” Adžić asserted.

Albanian Alliance MP Ilir Čapuni expressed dismay, particularly given his minority status.

“All over the social media accounts of ruling majority MPs, Alabara, the 35 billion investment, and Ulcinj are being mentioned,” he noted, invoking Article 29 of the Law on Minority Peoples, arguing misinterpretation by Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović and Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić, who he deemed incompetent.

“Tonight, we threaten Montenegro’s European aspirations; this is not the pathway to Europe. I believe we have strayed far down a regrettable track regarding European integration,” he added.

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