A bill submitted by Force MP Ilir Čapuni proposes setting aside 950,000 euros from Montenegro’s budget to pay former workers of the bankrupt Bajo Sekulić saltworks for unpaid wages and social contributions. The workers have been waiting for their outstanding claims for more than ten years, and expect parliament to adopt the legislation by the end of its autumn session.
Saša Mitrović, a representative of the former workers and president of their union, confirmed that the proposal had support from all parties represented in parliament. He said the draft was scheduled for review by the Legislative Committee of the Parliament of Montenegro on 2 November 2026, and must also be considered by the Committee on Economy, Finance and Budget before a plenary vote.
Under the proposal, payments would begin next year and be made in 24 instalments. Mitrović said he was optimistic about the parliamentary process: “I am optimistic that, when it comes to the agenda, there will be no obstruction.”
Nature park board prepares for launch
The former workers also expect Ulcinj Saltworks Nature Park LLC, in Ulcinj, to begin operating early next year. The company’s assembly is expected to meet within the next ten days to elect a director and board of directors; the assembly is responsible for appointing the director.
Goran Gugić, a Croatian expert in ecology and protected areas, is the leading candidate for executive director. Mitrović said, citing unofficial information, that the European Union had made financial assistance to the park conditional on the appointment of a foreign expert. Gugić has been involved in the Ulcinj saltworks area for several years, working with relevant departments on its revitalisation, and has contacted former workers several times about how the saltworks would function.
The transition phase is due to end at New Year, according to Mitrović. A report gives January 2027 as the deadline and the planned start of the nature park’s operations.
Ulcinj Municipality’s assembly appointed Elvir Nikočević and Ahmet Markošević to the company assembly last week. The government appointed Joko Stojanović and Aleksandar Popović, representatives of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, and Maja Ivanović, representing the Ministry of Finance, 15 days ago. With those appointments, the company assembly has its five members, as required by law.
