The main topic of the article concerns the maintenance of three city cemeteries in Podgorica and the collection of fees for grave maintenance. The fee is billed once a year per square meter of the grave, amounting to slightly more than three euros per square meter. About 12% of Podgorica residents have contracts with the company responsible for grave maintenance. The fees enable continuous maintenance of the cemeteries’ communal infrastructure, including mowing, path maintenance, and horticultural care. If users fail to meet their obligations, the company sends warnings and may initiate forced collection. The right to lease graves is held exclusively by the company and cannot be transferred between individuals. Additionally, there is consideration of cooperation with regional companies that have crematoriums to make this service available to citizens.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports might emphasize the social responsibility of the city and the company to maintain cemeteries as public communal spaces, highlighting the importance of affordable fees and transparency in the management of public services. They may also focus on the need for inclusive access to services like cremation and criticize any privatization or commercialization that could limit access.
Center: Center-leaning coverage tends to present the facts about the fees, the maintenance services provided, and the legal framework governing cemetery management. It emphasizes transparency, the necessity of fees for upkeep, and the procedural aspects of contracts and enforcement without strong ideological framing.
Right: Right-leaning narratives might focus on the efficiency and responsibility of the company managing the cemeteries, stressing the importance of law and order in fee collection and contract enforcement. They may highlight the respect for property rights and the importance of maintaining dignity and tradition in burial practices, possibly supporting cooperation with regional firms to improve services.
