Kolasin-Berne Road Blockade Ends as Protests Pause for Goodwill

Workers at the Ski Centre Kolasin 1600 announced the end of their road blockade on the Kolasin-Berne route, effective from October 25, 2023. The decision follows a protest aimed at drawing attention to ongoing issues impacting the winter tourist season. While the protests are temporarily suspended, the workers emphasized that their demands remain unchanged.

During a rally today, representatives from the ski centre expressed their commitment to facilitating smooth traffic flow, stating, “We want to understand the participants in traffic because transport lines are always lines of life.” They assured the public that there will be no road blockages from 12:00 to 14:00 in the coming days, reflecting a desire to demonstrate goodwill and cooperation.

The workers are seeking urgent attention from local authorities, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Government of Montenegro. They highlighted that the preparation for the winter tourist season at the ski centre is no longer solely in their hands. The maintenance of ski lifts and necessary equipment has not progressed as needed, raising concerns about the upcoming season.

Since the protest began on October 14, there has been a lack of response from officials. Workers have questioned whether the success of the winter season is a matter that affects only them or the entire local community and northern Montenegro. They stressed the importance of the ski centre for the economic well-being of the region.

This pause in protests, while intended to show good faith, underscores the urgency of their situation. The workers remain steadfast in their demands for immediate action and communication from the relevant authorities to ensure that the winter season can proceed without further complications. As the deadline approaches, the pressure mounts for the government to address the workers’ concerns and ensure the viability of one of Montenegro’s key tourist attractions.