Podgorica is gearing up for a new round of elections and appointments in local communities, but will this really revive local self-government or is it just another public spectacle? Proposals for acting presidents of local communities are expected by July 4, with appointments due by July 15. Mayor Saša Mujović and the City Assembly President have introduced amendments and decisions to regulate this process, but the criteria and names of acting presidents remain a mystery. Radoš Zečević from the New Serbian Democracy claims the goal is to revive local communities so that citizens’ requests can more easily reach the city administration, but will it really work? Podgorica has as many as 40 local communities, from urban to rural, which will get their acting leaders. The new law provides for direct election of presidents and councils of local communities, with separate bank accounts for each community. However, communication problems, unclear criteria, and election delays cast a shadow over this process. Citizens wonder if their requests for parking, greenery, or infrastructure will actually be addressed or if everything will remain on paper. “The mayor cannot deal with why a street lacks trees or parking,” says Zečević, but if local communities don’t function, who will? This chaos in Podgorica’s local self-government looks like yet another proof that local communities are just a formality, not a service to citizens. Got thoughts? Share them — maybe your critique will spark change!
