Recent comments from New Serbian Democracy (NSD) officials, who occupy key state and municipal roles, suggest that northern municipalities should gain control over their natural and economic resources from the state. This comes following requests from leaders of coastal local governments advocating for more autonomy in managing their coastal areas.

On June 26, members of Parliament proposed amending the law governing the maritime domain, which includes plans to transform the Public Company for Maritime Domain Management, led by Mladen Mikijelj (NSD), into a government agency responsible for consulting on and overseeing how coastal municipalities manage their coastlines. These proposals were initiated on December 24 last year but were previously vetoed by Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic (NSD) and have remained stagnant since.

The push for northern municipalities to take control of their natural and economic resources originated from NSD MPs and the mayor of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević.

Kovačević announced on June 30 that municipalities like Nikšić, Pljevlja, Plužine, Rožaje, and others ought to assert their stance on managing their natural and economic resources. He indicated plans to start discussions with the mayors of these areas on this subject.

“If coastal municipalities are striving to eliminate the Maritime Reserve and manage Montenegro’s coastline individually, it is only fair that our municipalities also manage resources such as those from the Electric Power Company of Montenegro, forests, waters, minerals, and other assets that belong to these regions,” Kovačević stated, according to RTVNK.

His proposal received backing yesterday from his party colleague and the mayor of Pljevlja, Dario Vranes, along with NSD MP Jelena Božović.

Vranes mentioned that the Municipality of Pljevlja has long highlighted the necessity for equitable treatment within the state’s resource management framework.

He pointed out that Pljevlja is rich in forestry and mineral assets, with significant exploitation of coal, lead, and zinc ores, along with considerable hydropower potential.

“The coal mine and thermal power plant in Pljevlja generate about 40 percent of Montenegro’s electricity, and the municipality boasts over 50 percent of the nation’s total forests. These resources should form the cornerstone for the local community’s economic advancement, directly benefiting the residents of Pljevlja,” Vranes asserted.

He emphasized that “decentralization must not be selective or confined to certain regions or municipalities.”

“If coastal municipalities are permitted to oversee coastal resources through the dissolution of the state-owned ‘Morsko dobro,’ then it is entirely reasonable for interior municipalities like Pljevlja, Nikšić, and Plužine to receive the same consideration for managing electricity, mining, and forestry assets,” Vranes said.

In Pljevlja and Nikšić, the NSD governs, whereas in Plužine, the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) is in charge.

Jelena Božović highlighted that the northern region encompasses the bulk of Montenegro’s natural resources, including valuable minerals and significant hydropower capacity.

“It is essential to note that over 80 percent of all forests in Montenegro are found in northern municipalities. Yet, the benefits from these resources rarely stay within these regions, resulting in economic disparity and depopulation. Thus, I believe this initiative is both correct and necessary, and I wholeheartedly support it. We hope every northern municipality backs this initiative as it serves the citizens’ interests and local community development,” Božović expressed on Facebook.

She added that some political figures are currently proposing the dissolution of the Public Enterprise Morsko dobro and transferring the responsibility for managing the coast and beaches to coastal municipalities.

“If the state finds it acceptable for southern municipalities to manage the coast, which is state property, it raises the question: why should the state continue to directly oversee forests, rivers, and energy resources in the north, also state property?” Božović articulated.

Kovačević: Zeta will advocate for the dissolution of Plantaže

Kovačević insisted that decentralization cannot be a half-measure, suggesting that some municipalities should not have rights that others do not.

“We will certainly strive to ensure a consistent electricity supply to other municipalities in Montenegro and other essential resources available in our municipalities,” he remarked.

He indicated that the Municipality of Zeta would also seek decentralization by advocating for the dissolution of the Plantaže company and the transfer of ownership of the vineyards and cellars to the municipality, along with a request for the transfer of powers regarding Golubovci Airport and Skadar Lake National Park.

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