Coastal municipality representatives have voiced their discontent regarding the Government’s choice to implement a new Plan for Temporary Facilities along the Coast, even though there was an initiative aimed at reassigning coastal jurisdiction back to individual local administrations through a new legislative framework.

The Union of Municipalities has announced plans to pursue a legal challenge before the Administrative Court, citing the non-transparent nature of the entire process.

Stevan Katić, the Mayor of Herceg Novi Municipality, indicated to RTHN that the parliament deputies should bring this initiative to the floor for discussion in the coming days.

Katić highlighted the inconsistency of certain ministers’ positions, referring specifically to Minister Radunović. He noted that while in opposition Radunović advocated for the dissolution of the Maritime Public Company and the reconveyance of powers to coastal municipalities, he has changed his stance to view such actions as detrimental now that he oversees that department.

“It is widely recognized that Morsko Dobro is a remnant of the past, established by the previous regime to enable them to carry out various actions, such as furnishing and leasing beaches. It appears that those who engaged in these practices may soon hand over control, and should they return to opposition, they will likely advocate for the dismantling of Morsko Dobro again,” Katić remarked.

The Associations of Municipalities, along with all coastal local administrations, are urging the Government to address the management of the coastal zone systematically, advocating for decentralization via new legislation.

“We maintain that annexes should be signed and that legislation ought to be passed during the first half of the year, allowing all municipalities to gradually take over these powers in the second half. This would provide a framework for municipalities to create new plans regarding temporary facilities in the coastal zone, enabling them to manage the complete area and establish five-year contracts with tenants,” Katić stated.

The decision was made without involvement from government committees, prompting the Union of Municipalities to initiate legal proceedings due to procedural bypasses. Katić speculated that this might have been done to avoid a scenario where the decision could fail to achieve the required majority.

“Regardless, in our statement issued yesterday, we expressed our desire for a meeting with the Prime Minister to collaboratively find a resolution alongside the presidents of coastal municipalities. We aim to discuss and reach a mutual agreement regarding our future direction,” Katić added.

During a press conference yesterday, Radunović emphasized that the state anticipates earnings of up to 30 million euros from leasing this year. However, as Katić explained, Morsko Dobro operates as a distinct organizational unit with its own revenues and expenses, which do not contribute funds directly to the state budget but are instead redistributed to coastal municipalities for capital initiatives.

News