Something hilarious yet worrying is happening in Podgorica! Mayor Saša Mujović has decided to nominate Miljan Ivanović, a metallurgical engineer, as the acting director of sports facilities. Yes, you read that right – a metallurgist! At the same time, he proposed Nemanja Gajović, a diplomat, as the acting director of greenery. Is this a new definition of expertise or just political favoritism in full swing? European Union councilor Miloš Mašković doesn’t hold back: “Obviously, managing sports infrastructure doesn’t require knowledge of sports, but metallurgical processes. When it comes to planning and maintaining green areas, the most important thing is that the candidate understands international relations.”
Is this the pinnacle of meritocracy or political games? The mayor forwarded his proposals to the Podgorica City Assembly, and reactions are pouring in. People are asking – is sports management in Podgorica now in the hands of a metallurgist? And will green areas be maintained according to diplomatic protocols?
This situation sheds light on the problem of political favoritism often replacing expertise and competence. Instead of people with relevant knowledge and experience taking key positions, those politically suitable are chosen, which can have disastrous consequences for the quality of services and the development of sports and greenery in Montenegro’s capital.
If you thought this was just a local story, think again. This is an example of how in many places expertise and competence are neglected, and politics is put first. While sports and ecology are treated as secondary issues, the consequences will be felt by all citizens.
So, what do you think? Is it time for experts to lead sports and green areas, or will metallurgists and diplomats continue to shape the fate of our cities? Drop a comment, maybe you have the solution to this “meritocratic” mess!
