Thursday’s session of the Budva District assembly was again not held to the lack of quorum, which additionally deepened the political crisis in this district. Independent representative Stevan Džaković did not show at the session although he announced his attendance.
Budva District President Dragan Krapović condemned the actions of councilman Džaković, citing they are irresponsible. “Such political activity is frivolous and irresponsible, primarily to Budva citizens. Whether it is blackmail, pressure from other parties, political revenge or something else, remains to be seen. For a longer time cooperation with Mr Džaković does not exist. He does not communicate with us,” said Krapović.
Responding to ultimatums from Džaković for the Democrats and DF to initiate changes to election law in the assembly, as did presidential candidate Vasilij Miličković, Krapović stated the best answer to such demands is Miličković’s election result.
Krapović underlined that in the Budva assembly, besides unexplained boycotts, there were no amendments, proposals or desire to normalize the situation coming from the opposition. “Executive power in the District is function without problems. At the same time we have a frivolous approach of councilmen to the assembly. We cannot function based on blackmail and irresponsibility. Either we have the necessary quorum of the opposition block or new elections,” stated Krapović.
Article 185 of the Local Administration Law foresees a government warning to the assembly of a district which does not hold sessions for longer than six months, does not place into effect decisions of relevant courts or does not execute legal commitments, which brings rights of citizens into question or creates significant material damage. The warning will contain a deadline to perform all functions and commitments.
If the assembly does not manage to do so, the government will dissolve the assembly upon proposal from the relevant ministry. In this case, its function will be taken on by a government commissioner until the assembly is operational again.
This is the third time the 16th session of the Budva assembly has been postponed due to lack of quorum, and it remains to be seen if this delay will lead to new local elections.
Translated from Café del Montenegro, for the original click here.
