DPM's Office: Promises fulfilled, all contracts on small hydropower plants for which a legal basis was found have been terminated, others are being revised

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazović reacted today to the statement of the residents of Bare Kraljske, who are protesting against the construction of small hydropower plant in that area.

"Deputy Prime Minister Abazović will again, with pleasure, come to support the residents of Bare Kraljske in their intention to preserve the rivers and natural resources of Montenegro. We note that so far all contracts on small hydropower plants for which there was a legal basis have been terminated, and that a solution is being sought for all others that will not be to the detriment of the state of Montenegro. Specifically, the inspection, in cooperation with surveyors, will soon visit Bare Kraljske and make a detailed study which will determine the position of small hydropower plant facilities, which is the basic precondition for considering the legal basis for termination of the contract. We are convinced that such an approach will yield results, as in all previous cases of termination of contracts, which protect our rivers and natural resources," the response reads.

DPM Abazović's Office actively participated in the changes to the Law on the State Prosecutor's Office, so they expect that "after that law comes into force, this key institution will take a more active role in the protection of natural resources of Montenegro."

The Office also states that the locals are well aware that everything is not directly within the competence of the Deputy Prime Minister, so they are surprised that every issue is addressed to him.

In order to avoid political abuses, the Deputy Prime Minister will be happy to join one of the next protest and talk with the locals. We will always be available to citizens, in order to find a solution to all problems in a fair and open conversation, the response concludes.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister reminds that Abazović promised the introduction of a moratorium/ban on the construction of small hydropower plants, which the Government did immediately after its formation.