Podgorica Assembly in Chaos: Free Transport for Vulnerable, Quarry in Kuči, and Legal Anarchy at City TV
The recent marathon 13-hour session of the Podgorica City Assembly revealed more problems than solutions. The councilors approved the final budget with 30 votes in favor and 9 against, but the real drama unfolded in other agenda items.
Free Transport for Vulnerable Groups – Finally!
After years of waiting, vulnerable categories of Podgorica’s citizens will finally be able to use city and suburban transport for free. This decision received majority support, and now about 30% of the population will benefit, a significant increase from the previous 17%. Pensioners, who make up a quarter of public transport users, were highlighted as a priority. However, the opposition calls for free transport to be extended to all citizens to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
Quarry in Kuči – Environmental Disaster or Necessity?
Councilors approved the idea of building a quarry in the Kuči settlement, sparking heated debate. Critics argue that an adequate environmental impact assessment was not conducted, and the opposition requested postponing the discussion to better study the location and residents’ opinions. The executive director of the Roads company, Radoš Zečević, defended the project, stating the quarry will serve the company’s needs, but the opposition suspects motives and calls for transparency. This issue has become a symbol of the conflict between development and nature protection in Podgorica.
City TV in Legal and Staffing Crisis
The most criticism was directed at the local public broadcaster – RTV Podgorica. The State Audit Institution (DRI) report revealed irregularities in operations, including employment without records, misuse of fixed-term contracts, and violations of eight laws. DPS club leader Andrija Klikovac described the situation as “total legal anarchy” and accused the TV station of spreading fake news and political abuse.
Mayor Saša Mujović admitted the TV station is not objective and was a tool of the previous government but emphasized ongoing transformation efforts and even considered shutting down the city TV. The opposition is dissatisfied and demands management changes, while employees defend themselves by citing political pressure.
Other Issues and Criticism
Besides these main topics, councilors discussed the work of public enterprises, problems with water supply and sewage, and the need to reconstruct critical infrastructure like the Podgorica suspension bridge. Some councilors criticized parking fee increases and lack of transparency in city services.
Conclusion: Podgorica at a Crossroads
The City Assembly session showed that Podgorica faces serious problems in governance, transparency, and development. While decisions that could improve citizens’ lives, like free transport for vulnerable groups, are made, deep irregularities and conflicts of interest are also revealed. The quarry in Kuči and the legal chaos at city TV are just the tip of the iceberg.
If you think this is just another boring political story, think again! This drama affects all of us – from pensioners waiting for buses to citizens wanting clean air and honest information. So, what do you think about the quarry and city TV? Is it time for real change, or will we keep watching the same old show? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
Slug: podgorica-skupstina-besplatan-prevoz-kamenolom-televizija
