The Mayor of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, has expressed strong opposition to the agreement between Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), describing the speed at which it was passed as suspicious and opaque. Nimanbegu questioned the decision to allow construction of apartments in a protected area, referring to the agreement as a “descent on Ulcinj.”
He pointed out that the “Great Beach” has been a protected territory since 1968 and questioned why the government would bypass laws on land expropriation and urban planning through a single agreement. Nimanbegu emphasized that the local community would fight to preserve the Great Beach, stating, “We will defend it to the end.”
Nimanbegu also informed Albanian officials about the agreement and the local community’s opposition. He wrote to the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, and the Albanian Ambassador, highlighting their constitutional duty to be informed about the situation concerning the Albanian minority in Montenegro.
He also addressed misinformation circulating about Albanians in Montenegro allegedly holding dual citizenship, which he denied, asserting that Albanians in Montenegro only have Montenegrin citizenship.
During the discussion, Nimanbegu criticized the government and the “Europe Now” movement, accusing them of attacking the citizens of Ulcinj and the mayor, claiming they were unaware of what was best for them. He also expressed frustration that the situation had escalated to the point where Ulcinj’s “Day of the Municipality” was marked by protests.
He urged Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to reconsider his stance, saying that the agreement was flawed and its consequences were far-reaching and harmful. Nimanbegu warned that the deal would lead to a loss of national sovereignty over land, particularly concerning future investments in the Great Beach area.
The mayor also referenced opposition from Albanian political parties and other opposition groups, including the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) led by Milan Knežević, who shared similar concerns about the agreement. He further noted that members of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) had also expressed opposition by leaving parliamentary sessions, with some MPs openly criticizing the deal.
Nimanbegu concluded by stating that this issue was not just a passing topic but one that would define the country for years to come, and he urged lawmakers to avoid repeating the mistakes made in this case.
