On Saturday, residents of Ulcinj will mark Municipal Day with a large protest at Mala Plaža, starting at 12 PM. The protest was called by the Mayor of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, along with representatives of all local political parties, who share a unified message: Ulcinj is not for sale. They reject megalomaniac projects and insist that the community must be involved in all decision-making, according to Mediabiro.
The Municipal Assembly of Ulcinj previously adopted clear conclusions outlining the types of investments the city welcomes. However, both the government and the Prime Minister have ignored these positions. Instead of a traditional celebration, the city will hold a protest to once again demand transparency, public participation in decision-making, and protection of its history, identity, and natural resources. While they support investment, locals say it must not come at the cost of Ulcinj’s interests.
“On the first Saturday of April, we traditionally celebrate Ulcinj Day with festivals, guests from across the region, diplomatic representatives, and our citizens. However, since the positions of the Municipal Assembly have been disregarded, we decided to hold this session at Mala Plaža, together with our citizens and friends. We have canceled almost all festive events, except those intended for children—because everything we do, we do for them,” said Mayor Nimanbegu.
He reminded the public that two Municipal Assembly sessions had already taken place where the type of investments suitable for Ulcinj was clearly outlined. The mayor reiterated their rejection of the announced megaproject.
“Despite this, the government continued to make decisions about our future—and our children’s future—through unofficial channels like WhatsApp, completely bypassing European standards. That’s why we will mark Ulcinj Day with citizens on the Riva. We believe these decisions are harmful and must not be approved,” he added.
Nimanbegu was joined at the press conference by representatives of all political parties in Ulcinj. He emphasized that everyone shares the same concerns and message: Ulcinj is not for sale.
“The Municipal Assembly unanimously declared the kind of investments we want. Today, we’re sending a clear message: the entire city is speaking with one voice. Our message to the government is clear—we support investment and development, but not under conditions that harm Ulcinj’s interests. We demand transparency and public participation in decision-making. Decisions about our city’s future cannot be made unilaterally. Our identity, history, and natural resources are not for trade,” the mayor stated.
He underlined that Saturday’s protest carries no political party flags, calling it a citizen-led protest for Ulcinj’s future.
“Tourism is a public interest—but building residential apartments is not. We want tourism development, but not at the cost of our environment, families, or future generations. We want job creation in other sectors too—IT, maritime industries, healthcare, manufacturing, shipbuilding. Our vision is to develop Ulcinj into a city with a sustainable economy and jobs for all,” Nimanbegu emphasized.
He called for broad support, stressing the importance of solidarity now more than ever. He expressed appreciation for the support of Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović and expects support on Saturday from state officials, ambassadors, and friends of Ulcinj.
“Everyone who loves Ulcinj is welcome—from all parts of Montenegro. The message we are sending to the government is strong, and that strength comes not only from the decisions of the Municipal Assembly, but from the unity of political actors and citizens of all ethnic backgrounds. Any government must take this seriously,” Nimanbegu concluded.
All political parties and the President of the Municipal Assembly, Ivana Popović, invited citizens and supporters to Saturday’s protest.
“This decision to mark our city’s day in this way stems from deep concern and responsibility for Ulcinj’s future. Projects like this one raise serious doubts about transparency, sustainability, and the preservation and development of tourism in Ulcinj. Our city has the right to grow, but that growth must reflect the needs and will of its people,” said Popović.
Mehmed Zenka, president of DUA, criticized Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s approach to Ulcinj, saying it only managed to achieve one thing—unifying all political parties in the city.
“For decades, political groups in Ulcinj couldn’t find common ground. Now we’re all speaking the same language: Ulcinj is not for sale. No one seems to consider the billions invested by Ulcinj’s citizens into their homes and future. Yet with a single signature, someone decided to sell the fate of an entire city,” Zenka stated.
