The current tender for the concession of two Montenegrin airports raises doubts about transparency and fairness of the process. According to expert Predrag Peđa Vučetić, improvisations and political pressure on the commission undermine the credibility of the procedure. The withdrawal of one of the main bidders further increased suspicion of unfair conditions. Vučetić emphasizes that the state does not function as a reliable partner and that the goals of the concession are unclear. Also, the arrival of bidders with limited experience in European conditions may jeopardize the competitiveness of Montenegrin airports. Serbia’s statement of interest in the concession is seen as a political maneuver. There is a need for a clear strategy and a professional framework for airport management, as the current process may harm the state. The key challenge is how to make the airports competitive in the region, considering the experience of the concessionaires and the state’s ability to enforce contracts.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize the lack of transparency and fairness in the tender process, highlighting political interference and institutional weaknesses. They focus on the risks of privatization without clear public benefit and the potential loss of state control over strategic infrastructure.
Center: Center-leaning sources present a balanced view, acknowledging the challenges in the tender process while recognizing the potential benefits of concession if managed properly. They stress the importance of clear goals, transparency, and professional management to ensure competitiveness and public interest.
Right: Right-leaning narratives tend to highlight the political maneuvering involved, particularly criticizing Serbia’s late interest as a political move rather than a genuine market offer. They emphasize the need for strong state control and skepticism towards foreign bidders with limited regional experience.
