Vladimir Joković, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, expressed optimism that the Proposal on Amendments to the Forest Law will soon be submitted for parliamentary consideration.

Today, he held discussions with citizens involved in logging who are expressing dissatisfaction regarding the insufficient allocation and management of privately owned logging, as reported by the Ministry.

According to the statement, “Minister Joković met with representatives from the forestry sector, acknowledging their concerns and highlighting that the Ministry is committed to addressing their issues promptly and in compliance with existing regulations. He hopes that the Proposal on Amendments to the Forest Law, which aims to resolve the current challenges, will enter the parliamentary process shortly.”

Joković reiterated his full support for the foresters, expressing hope that the necessary transfers for this year would be facilitated as soon as possible.

After meeting with the representatives, Minister Joković addressed the assembled citizens, recognizing their frustrations and pledging to do everything within his power to ensure the proposed amendments to the Law are passed by July 1st, allowing for uninterrupted operations.

Loggers and wood vendors from the villages around Nikšić have repeatedly blocked traffic, insisting on their right to log in private forests.

They warned that if their demands are not met by June 16, they will stage a protest outside the relevant ministry and demand a clear answer from Joković on “which law threatens their livelihoods.”

During a protest on the 9th, one local remarked that Joković should resign if he “is unable to resolve the issue within six months,” suggesting that “someone else could step in and address it.”

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