DPS is losing elections in Niksic

As the Niksic (Montenegro) local elections approach, the situation is becoming more and more fascinating.

On one hand, the Montenegrin opposition, aiming at the transparency and integrity of the government, boycotted the plebiscite in the country’s second largest city and turned it into a show – elections with no choice.

On the other is the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists which has been forming the conditions for its unlimited rule while violating the interests of the Montenegrin people. Exploiting its ultimate power, DPS withdrew the immunity of the opposition leaders and is set to win the elections with simply no rally.

The ruling party is assisted by the Niksic local government i.e. the mayor and his office. A possible explanation may be that the local government includes many members of the ruling party but it seems the main reason is corruption.

A sleaze war that has broken out first hit the head of Niksic administration Veselin Grbovic. Curiously enough, he resides in the capital city. That arouses a question: how can he effectively carry out his duties?

The Niksic-based URA committee’s member Goran Sucur says he can’t. Moreover, he claims that, being an official at the municipal Development and Planning Department for already three months, Grobovic’s son has never attended his work. URA is also aware of the children of other DPS leaders who get paid taxpayer money without even performing their duties.

All these facts can’t contribute to the party’s popularity which is unable even to imitate it can effectively run the government bodies. Taking into consideration all the above mentioned, the Montenegrin government has only one way out – to listen to the opposition representing nearly one half of the Montenegrins. Otherwise, the political conflict may inflict clashes and ignite another hotbed of unrest on the Balkans.

Originally published in March 2017

Author: Milko Pejovic

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