Dispute Erupts Over Leadership Transition at Budva Museum

A significant leadership dispute has emerged at the Museum and Galleries of Budva, with the newly appointed acting director, Ivana Ćupić, gaining access to the office amid allegations of illegal removal by her predecessor, Lucija Đurašković. On December 2, 2023, Branka Čvorović, the president of the Museum Council, confirmed that Ćupić successfully entered the office, although Đurašković had not returned the keys.

According to Čvorović, Đurašković took her personal belongings but left the office locked. Authorities had to intervene, using a “second key” to access the premises. While she did not clarify whether they had to break down the door, Čvorović stated that the lock was changed with proper approvals from the Municipality of Budva, the establishment’s founder.

In contrast, Đurašković claimed that the new administration forcibly entered her office. She stated, “They broke into the office, and the director entered with a forged seal.” She emphasized that she had not received any official notice of her dismissal and reported the incident to the police.

The controversy deepened when journalists reminded Đurašković of Čvorović’s previous statement, which indicated that the dismissal notice had been sent to her weeks prior. Đurašković countered that the notice referred to a termination from 2021, insisting she continued to function as the director until a new appointment was made.

“I was at the helm of the Museum until a new director was appointed. Whether that was legitimate is another matter. It is not my fault that the council was not elected,” she stated, referencing the Museum’s statutes that supposedly allowed her to remain in her position.

Despite inquiries regarding her recent reluctance to communicate with the new council president, Đurašković dismissed the claims as false. She maintained that she would pursue legal action and reach out to the Special State Prosecutor’s Office to protect her interests.

Moving forward, she expressed concern over potential theft of valuable artworks, stating, “I took my belongings, but how can I know if something valuable, like paintings, was stolen?” When asked why the new administration would want to steal artworks, she replied, “Maybe they will steal; why wouldn’t they?”

Furthermore, she refuted claims regarding her salary, asserting her earnings were €1,900, contrary to Čvorović’s statement of €2,500.

As the situation unfolds, Ćupić has not yet provided a comment regarding the ongoing controversy, although she previously indicated feeling overwhelmed by inappropriate messages related to the incident.

Čvorović assured that the new administration is now fully operational, stating, “Currently, all employees and council members are present. We entered the office in a completely regular manner, with support from the founder and the municipality. Everything is normal, and we are beginning to work.”

The Museum’s first council meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2023, as this unfolding drama continues to capture public attention.