Podgorica Mayor Faces Backlash Over Controversial Remarks

The Democratic People’s Party (DNP) has criticized Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović for increasingly distancing himself from reality and heightening tensions between the citizens of Podgorica and Zeta. The party’s statement followed remarks made by Mujović, in which he labeled the residents of Zeta as “gravel thieves,” a characterization deemed unworthy of a city leader.

DNP’s response underscores their concern about the mayor’s choice of language, particularly as it relates to community relations. “It is surprising that after such comments, he wonders why his disappointed voters are calling him out for the daily insults directed at the people of Zeta,” the party said. This criticism comes in the wake of a previous statement from the mayor’s office, which DNP claims further inflamed public sentiment.

In a pointed challenge, the DNP urged Mujović to provide evidence to the authorities regarding his allegations against the residents of Zeta. They argued that such accusations should be substantiated rather than serve as incendiary rhetoric. “If he believes that Zeta citizens are gravel thieves, let him report this to the prosecutor’s office and demonstrate a responsible approach to environmental issues,” they stated.

The DNP also raised significant questions about a controversial contract signed by former Minister of Energy Ivan Vuković with two Turkish companies. This contract was executed without any environmental impact assessments, raising concerns about the mayor’s oversight and judgment. DNP pointed out that due to Mujović’s negligence during his tenure as minister, Montenegro now faces a potential arbitration case in London regarding the Brskovo mine, which could cost the country an estimated €300 million.

“Who will take responsibility if Montenegro loses €300 million due to negligence and incompetence in the ministry led by Mujović?” the statement questioned. The DNP highlighted this issue as a critical failure in leadership, contrasting it with Mujović’s public claims of environmental concern.

Furthermore, the DNP asserted that Mujović is not facing a media witch hunt but is instead battling his own contradictions. They characterized his current position as self-defeating, stating that yesterday’s Mujović is at odds with today’s, and today’s is already preparing for a confrontation with tomorrow’s. “We cannot assist him with this internal struggle,” they remarked.

As tensions escalate, the DNP cautioned Mujović against leveraging the support of Duško Marković and the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) to intimidate others. They advised him to stand accountable for his actions rather than hide behind media narratives. Should Mujović pursue a coalition with Marković and the DPS, the DNP is prepared to respond, emphasizing their readiness to challenge his authority.

The DNP concluded their statement by suggesting that if Mujović formalizes such a coalition, he might receive accolades from the Croatian ambassador, indicating the political complexities and implications surrounding these local dynamics in Montenegro.