The Government of Montenegro has decided to extend the working period of the tender commission for the concession rights of Tivat and Podgorica airports by an additional 30 days. This decision came after consultants from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, expressed concerns about irregularities in the evaluation of bids and requested further explanations. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić emphasized the importance of transparency and competence in the process, as well as the need to consider IFC’s expert opinions to ensure the best decision in Montenegro’s interest. Some members of the tender commission have resigned due to doubts about the regularity of the process. The government held urgent and extraordinary sessions to coordinate activities and ensure the proper conduct of the procedure.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in the tender process, highlighting the concerns raised by the IFC and the resignations of commission members as indicators of possible irregularities and the importance of protecting public interest.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the extension and the government’s response, focusing on the procedural aspects and the involvement of international consultants to ensure a fair and competent decision-making process without taking a strong stance on the controversy.
Right: Right-leaning media tend to stress the government’s efforts to maintain control and order in the process, often supporting the prime minister’s calls for careful consideration of expert opinions and framing the extension as a necessary step to safeguard national interests and prevent external interference.
