Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatovic has taken a bold stand against a controversial development agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that threatens the pristine Velika Plaza beach. This move has sparked a significant political clash with Prime Minister Milojko Spajic’s government, which is eager to attract foreign investment to boost the country’s economy.
Key Takeaways
- President Milatovic returned a proposed law regarding the UAE agreement for reconsideration, citing concerns over unequal obligations.
- The agreement aims to develop the untouched Velika Plaza beach, raising environmental and local opposition.
- Tensions between Milatovic and Spajic highlight a growing divide in Montenegro’s political landscape.
Background of the Agreement
The Montenegrin parliament recently approved agreements with the UAE to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including tourism and real estate. The centerpiece of this deal is the development of Velika Plaza, a 12-kilometer stretch of beach in Ulcinj, which has been described as a national treasure.
Prime Minister Spajic has championed the agreement, arguing that it will bring much-needed investment and create jobs in the underdeveloped southern region of Montenegro. He emphasized the potential economic benefits, stating that the total value of the agreement could reach up to 35 billion euros, although this figure has been contested.
President’s Concerns
President Milatovic’s decision to return the proposed law stems from several key concerns:
- Unequal Obligations: Milatovic argues that the agreement places Montenegro at a disadvantage, with numerous obligations for the state but few guarantees from the UAE.
- Lack of Transparency: He criticized the process leading to the agreement, citing a high level of non-transparency and insufficient public consultation.
- Legal and Economic Implications: The President raised alarms about potential violations of constitutional provisions regarding free competition and public procurement laws, which could jeopardize Montenegro’s EU aspirations.
Local Opposition and Environmental Concerns
The proposed development has faced fierce opposition from local communities, particularly from ethnic Albanian representatives in Ulcinj, who view the beach as a vital cultural and economic asset. Activists have rallied against the deal, arguing that it threatens the ecological integrity of the area and could lead to widespread corruption due to the lack of public procurement processes.
Vanja Calovic, a prominent anti-corruption activist, stated that the government has united the citizens of Montenegro against the deal, emphasizing that the beach should not be sold off to foreign investors. Local environmental organizations have echoed these sentiments, calling for greater public involvement in decisions affecting Velika Plaza.
Political Implications
The clash between President Milatovic and Prime Minister Spajic marks a significant moment in Montenegro’s political landscape. Their relationship has fluctuated since they entered politics together in 2020, and this latest disagreement could signal deeper divisions within the ruling coalition.
Milatovic’s refusal to sign the law into effect means that it must be reconsidered by parliament, potentially delaying the UAE investment and igniting further debate about the future of Montenegro’s natural resources.
As the situation unfolds, the outcome of this political standoff will likely have lasting implications for Montenegro’s economic development, environmental policies, and its path toward European integration.
