Spajić on Pljevlja councillors' support for the Declaration on „withdrawing recognition“ of Kosovo: They have the right to their views, but the state conducts foreign policy

Municipal councillors are entitled to their own political views, but municipalities have no role in conducting the country's foreign policy, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said during the Parliamentary session dedicated to question time for the Prime Minister.

Memeber of Parliament from the Albanian Alliance, Ilir Čapuni, asked Spajić to explain the appointment of the head of the Ulcinj regional office of the Property Administration, noting that the appointee is also a councillor in the Pljevlja Municipal Assembly who voted in favour of a declaration rejecting the Government of Montenegro's decision to recognize Kosovo's independence.

Čapuni asked the Prime Minister whether he believed that simultaneously holding a senior position in the state administration while actively engaging in political activities contrary to the country's official policy was consistent with the principles of political neutrality and impartiality expected of civil servants.

- Do you consider the simultaneous performance of managerial duties in a state administration body and active political engagement against the state's official policy to be compatible with the principles of political neutrality and impartiality of civil servants - Čapuni asked.

Spajić replied that the position of head of the Ulcinj office had not been filled, explaining that the previous official's employment had ended automatically under the law and that no candidates had applied for the post.

Commenting on the developments in Pljevlja, he said that municipal councillors make their own decisions and vote independently within the scope of their mandates, for which, he added, they bear political and moral responsibility.

- They have every right to their opinions and to express them. This is a free country. However, failing to act in accordance with the state's official policy is a criminal offence and carries consequences. I am not concerned about anyone's personal views within the administration, particularly at the local level. But the state must act according to principle. It is clear who is responsible for conducting foreign policy, and municipalities have absolutely no role in shaping or conducting the country's foreign policy - Spajić said.