The announcement of a tender for the conceptual design and main project of the Velje Brdo Boulevard, intended to connect Podgorica with the new Velje Brdo settlement, has sparked controversy and criticism from the opposition and NGOs. Criticisms focus on the lack of planning documentation and uncertainties about the project itself, including economic and environmental impacts. While the authorities claim the tender was announced in accordance with legal procedures and that it concerns only the conceptual design, the opposition and NGO sector warn about legal violations and potential negative consequences for the environment and local community. There are also questions about the project’s financing amid current economic challenges.
Political Perspectives:
Left: The left-leaning perspective emphasizes the lack of transparency, absence of proper planning documentation, and potential negative environmental and social impacts of the Velje Brdo Boulevard project. It criticizes the government for proceeding without adequate public consultation and warns about the risks of corruption and mismanagement in large infrastructure projects.
Center: The centrist perspective acknowledges the need for infrastructure development but stresses the importance of following legal procedures and ensuring proper planning. It highlights the government’s rationale for not delaying the project despite the absence of finalized spatial plans, while also recognizing the concerns raised by opposition and NGOs about environmental and financial implications.
Right: The right-leaning perspective tends to support the government’s initiative as a necessary step for urban development and economic growth. It downplays the criticisms as political opposition tactics and emphasizes the importance of moving forward with infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and attract investment, while trusting the authorities to manage the project responsibly.
