After the Evropa Now movement asked for clarification regarding the Urokere initiative that their leader Srđan Perić be a potential solution for the position of President of the Assembly of the Capital City of Podgorica, Perić also spoke out.
“We thank the Europe Now Movement for the publicly announced position and the questions they sent regarding the model proposed by Preokret to preserve the functionality of Podgorica and prevent the introduction of forced administration. We especially welcome the fact that communication on this issue is taking place publicly, because we believe that citizens have the right to know how political entities are thinking about solving the institutional crisis in the capital,” says Perić.
He clarifies that the essence of the model proposed by Preokret is not the formation of any coalition, nor the entry of Preokret into power, much less political trade.
“On the contrary, it is a temporary and minimal institutional solution that aims to prevent further blocking of the system, preserve democratic control over the work of the city administration and enable citizens to be more involved in decision-making that affect their daily lives,” says Perić.
According to Perić, the model offered starts from a simple principle: in a situation of political crisis, citizens must not be losers.
“If there is already an institutional problem, then from its solution the citizens must get more transparency, more control over the work of the executive power and the Assembly, and more opportunities to influence the decisions that are made on their behalf. That is why the proposed model includes mechanisms for greater openness of the Assembly, stronger control of the work of the executive power, greater participation of local communities, local initiatives, civil society, the professional public and citizens in decision-making processes. None of its elements of the model implies endangering the functioning of the city, but quite the opposite: creating conditions for institutions to work at full capacity and under a greater degree of public control,” states Perić.
He says that he believes that the political interest of any party, as well as the political ambitions of any individual, must be subordinated to the general interest of the citizens of Podgorica.
“It is for this reason that we proposed a solution that is based on strengthening the institutional mechanisms of control and responsibility. As the deadline left by Urokret for all political entities to declare about this model is still running, we believe that it is not appropriate to partially comment on the public position of any political entity at this stage,” states Perić.
As soon as he has concrete feedback, Uorekret will, says Perić, inform the public in detail about whether and to which councilors the model we are proposing is acceptable.
“Until then, we remain open to any public clarification to all councilors and political subjects who want to contribute to finding a solution in the interest of Podgorica and its citizens. In everything else, we stand behind the Model for preserving the functionality of Podgorica and preventing the introduction of forced administration, which we delivered to you on Thursday, June 4,” said Perić.
