PM Spajić visits Cetinje: Government fully committed to supporting the Old Royal Capital

In memory of the victims of the tragic events that occurred on 1 January, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić lit a candle at the Lovćenska vila monument during his visit to Cetinje.

As part of the visit, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Mayor Nikola Đurašković, where they emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the capacities of the Cetinje Security Center to improve the security situation in the Old Royal Capital.

The Prime Minister announced the swift adoption of several legislative measures, including bolstering the Police Directorate's workforce by recruiting new officers from the Police Academy and outside the security sector.

The meeting also highlighted the Government's recent decision to create conditions for new employment within the Police Directorate.

Mayor Đurašković stressed the importance of implementing video surveillance in Cetinje, stating that it would greatly assist security services. He also thanked the Prime Minister for visiting the injured at the Clinical Center on the day of the tragedy.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by Ministers Vojislav Šimun and Damir Gutić, participated in a meeting organized by the Old Royal Capital, attended by numerous healthcare and social workers.

I personally guarantee that we will work tirelessly to identify and address systemic shortcomings, particularly in the area of prevention. By developing mechanisms and implementing best practices, we must restore the sense of safety for the citizens of Cetinje, the Prime Minister stated.

I expect all relevant institutions to put forth maximum effort to enhance security in Cetinje and throughout Montenegro. We are obligated to create synergy between all societal stakeholders because only through a systemic response can we address tragedies like this, which have struck us twice in a short time, Mayor Đurašković said.

Developing programmes to provide continuous psychosocial support to citizens was identified as a priority during the discussions. Initial steps have already been taken, with several informal meetings held between Government and Cetinje representatives.

Health Minister Vojislav Šimun highlighted that initial efforts have included contributions from doctors and staff from the Clinical Center and health centers, and the activation of an SOS psychological support helpline. He announced plans to strengthen the capacities of local mental health centers and to implement best practices through expert support from the United States and Norway.

Minister Gutić agreed that prevention is crucial to avoiding such tragedies in the future. Representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care, and Demography are already providing direct assistance, alongside the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, and the Association of Psychologists, whose members are volunteering to support students, parents, teachers, and all citizens of Cetinje.

The meeting concluded with a strong message of solidarity: the Government of Montenegro will utilize all available resources to support Cetinje, ensuring that every sector is fully engaged in creating systemic conditions to provide sustained assistance to the Old Royal Capital and its citizens.