From the event, Photo: Nikola Saveljić
Podgorica is a city that remembers, but does not live in the past. Throughout its history, it has constantly gone through challenges and uncertainties, which is why I want us to learn the story of the dial on the Clock Tower – which counted the time.
This was stated, among other things, by the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović during a ceremonial session marking December 19th – the Liberation Day of Podgorica.
He said he wanted us to remember the story of a city that was “brought to its knees by bombs 70 times.”
“Today we tell stories about Podgorica. Because our common identity is the strength of Podgorica. In Podgorica, history and the present meet. In Podgorica, both the coast and the north find a common language, and that is why Podgorica is not just the capital. It is a connecting point. Podgorica is a mirror of Montenegro. Success is reflected in setting clear goals. And as you know, in order to achieve something, you have to know exactly what you want and how to get there,” said Milatović.
He said that Podgorica, as the capital of Montenegro, must “always look forward.”
“Podgorica must become traffic-functional. In previous years, the construction of the city created numerous traffic problems. Podgorica expanded, and solutions were often delayed… Podgorica must move, breathe and function in terms of traffic. We must additionally green our Podgorica. Podgorica has been wounded by unplanned construction. Ljubović and Gorica, unfortunately, are chained with concrete…”, said Milatović, adding that “a city that breathes with all its might is needed.”
He stated that Podgorica is the European Youth Capital for 2028 and that this is a great success, but also an obligation.
“Let’s return full focus to citizens and concrete solutions. Let’s make Podgorica a city where young people grow and create success.”
Milatović believes that the story of Podgorica is being written every day.
“Leading Podgorica means scribing your name in the history of our city, but also of our entire country. Podgorica has been marked by names that will remain forever… Continue to tirelessly remind decision-makers of their duty. Preserve solidarity among yourselves. May our children’s Podgorica inherit the most beautiful and most important thing from you, and that is the character of this beautiful city of ours,” he said.
The President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, sent a telegram of congratulations on the Liberation Day of Podgorica. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić also did so. He said that the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Botun, the opening of a new building of the City Theater, the reconstruction of the boulevard, as well as the conversion of the iconic “Podgoričanka”, will create conditions for the European Union (EU) to be rich in another center.
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