UPDATE: Jovana Todorović, spokesperson for the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), has just announced that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Mayor of Podgorica Saša Mujović would be better served by focusing their efforts on Pljevlja. This statement comes in response to the Movement for Europe (PES) claiming that the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) is collaborating with DNP against the construction of a collector in Zeta.
In a sharply-worded statement, Todorović condemned the recent reactions from PES and Mujović, asserting that the referendum in Zeta exposed the true nature of their governance: “arrogance and a complete lack of responsibility towards citizens.” She emphasized that Mujović’s attempts to undermine the residents of Zeta only highlighted their discontent with local leadership.
Todorović further stated, “Your nervousness is clear, Mayor Mujović, as the citizens of Zeta have expressed their views candidly in an open letter.” She added that the referendum was a testament to solidarity and courage among the people, revealing the government’s panic over their prior commitments.
Instead of prioritizing the health and safety of citizens, Todorović accused local leaders of engaging in dubious practices that will soon come under scrutiny from the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT). She highlighted that Milan Knežević has stood alongside the people of Botun and Zeta to thwart plans that risk turning Zeta into “Montenegro’s Chernobyl.”
Todorović declared, “You have done everything to sabotage the referendum, from institutional obstruction to political pressure.” She cited the latest response from Zeta residents, who mobilized en masse during the referendum to deliver a clear message regarding their views on Mujović and fellow officials.
She urged Spajić and Mujović to demonstrate integrity and visit Pljevlja, where “due to institutional negligence and incompetence from appointed officials, a new ecological crisis is looming.” She pointed out that children are being hospitalized, emphasizing the dire consequences of inaction.
“While PES officials issue statements belittling Zeta residents, they should be focused on preventing another tragedy in Pljevlja,” Todorović asserted. She concluded by stating that in the coming days, citizens will discern the value that Spajić, Mujović, and PES place on human life compared to their own political interests.
As tensions rise and public scrutiny intensifies, the situation in Montenegro remains critical. Observers are now waiting to see how local officials respond to these urgent calls for action and whether they will prioritize the health and safety of their constituents moving forward.
