Local Self-Government Reform is a System Reform

The reform of local self-government is not a process that concerns only one sector or exclusively municipalities, but represents a comprehensive reform of the state, said Minister of Public Administration Mr. Marash Dukaj at the conference "Reform of Local Self-Government on the Way to the EU." In addition to Minister Dukaj, speakers included the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, the Mayor of Žabljak, and the President of the Board of ZOCG Radoš Žugić, as well as the Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro Mišela Manojlović. The Minister initially congratulated the Union of Municipalities on its 54th anniversary, thanking them for their partnership. He emphasized that the focus of the Ministry of Public Administration's activities has been on creating a new legal framework, strengthening local capacities, digitalization, and preparing municipalities for full EU membership. EU membership will bring significant development opportunities and access to European funds for municipalities, but also much stricter rules and procedures. Successful implementation of this fundamental reform will bring direct and measurable benefits to the daily lives of Montenegrin citizens: "I believe that if everyone takes responsibility and we move together in the same direction, we can successfully realize this reform."