Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has called on the tender commission to carefully consider the expert opinions of the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding the tender process for the concession of airports in Podgorica and Tivat. The World Bank warned that questioning the regularity of the procedure could damage Montenegro’s reputation and its European path. The government engaged the World Bank as a consultant in this process, but the World Bank stated it would withdraw if it does not receive clarifications on the evaluation of technical bids and the disqualification of one of the bidders. This topic is followed as an important step in public procurement and Montenegro’s European integration.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the importance of transparency and adherence to international standards in the tender process. They highlight the role of the World Bank as a watchdog ensuring fair competition and warn against any political interference that could undermine the process and Montenegro’s European integration.
Center: Centrist sources focus on the procedural aspects of the tender, reporting the statements of the Prime Minister and the World Bank without strong bias. They present the situation as a technical and administrative challenge that needs to be resolved to maintain Montenegro’s credibility and progress in public procurement reforms.
Right: Right-leaning media stress the potential damage to national interests and sovereignty if external institutions like the World Bank overly influence domestic processes. They may frame the World Bank’s warnings as pressure on Montenegro and emphasize the government’s efforts to protect national assets and complete the tender process in the best interest of citizens.
