Knežević Urges Respect for Zeta Residents’ Vote on Collector Project

The President of the Democratic People’s Party, Milan Knežević, has called for the respect of the will of the residents of Zeta regarding the proposed construction of a collector in Botun. Knežević emphasized that any form of repression against Zeta’s citizens, who oppose the project, is unacceptable, particularly given allegations of corruption associated with the construction initiative.

Knežević stated that the outcome of the upcoming referendum, where residents will express their views on the collector, must be binding for the local government in Zeta. “Legally and formally, the referendum does not need to obligate Saša Mujović, but it does bind Mihailo Asanović, the President of the Zeta Municipality, and all residents since the collector is planned for a location within the Zeta Municipality,” Knežević remarked in a recent interview with Adria.

Concerns Over Potential Repression

Knežević urged Mujović not to follow the example of former official Raško Konjević, who faced public backlash during protests in 2015. He warned that attempts to intimidate citizens through inspections and police presence would mirror past oppressive actions. “If Mujović wants to achieve project realization at the expense of bloodshed, I fear he will end up politically marginalized and potentially subject to investigations,” Knežević asserted.

He advised the Mayor of Podgorica to lower tensions and focus on planning significant projects within the jurisdiction of the capital, rather than interfering in Zeta’s local matters. Knežević stressed that any repression against Zeta residents, who are defending their right to life and resisting corruption linked to the collector, is intolerable.

“We have already stated that the state is stronger than the citizens of Zeta and Botun,” he added. Knežević described the potential for passive resistance from local citizens, expressing confidence that no one from the capital or the police administration would resort to violence against those opposing the project.

He concluded by highlighting the serious implications of corruption tied to the collector initiative, stating, “Those who have blood on their hands will not only face issues with their conscience but also with the law.”

As the referendum date approaches, the community remains on high alert, prepared to assert their stance against the proposed construction, while Knežević continues to advocate for their rights and emphasizes the importance of democratic processes in local governance.