He considers it unacceptable that at a time when apartment prices in Podgorica have already reached an unrealistic and unattainable level for most citizens, costs are increasing further, directly affecting family budgets, especially those of young couples trying to make ends meet.
"Legalization of illegally constructed buildings is not a matter of luxury, but of existence. The prices of legalization are already too high and unattainable for a large number of citizens. Instead of reducing them and adjusting them to the real possibilities of the population, their additional increase is proposed, which is a completely wrong and socially irresponsible approach. With such decisions, we are not introducing order, but rather deepening the problem," said Mešter.
He points out that a significant portion of citizens did not enter the zone of illegal construction of their own free will, but were practically pushed into such a situation by poor management and inadequate urban planning policies of previous governments.
"You cannot punish citizens today for system failures. If we want an orderly city, we must provide realistic and fair conditions for legalization, and not set new financial barriers. A policy that boils down to filling the budget at the expense of the people is not sustainable and is not acceptable," said Mešter.
He emphasizes that it is necessary for the local parliament to show responsibility and stand up for the protection of citizens, instead of making decisions that will further complicate the already complex economic situation.
"We call on the councilors of the Capital City Assembly not to adopt this proposal and to urgently begin developing a new solution that will include reducing legalization prices, more flexible payment models, and real support for families. Podgorica needs decisions that make the lives of citizens easier, not those that burden them further. If they already do not have the capacity to design a valid model, they can adopt a proven solution - a symbolic fee of 100 euros per facility," concluded Mešter.
The Capital City Committee of the People's Trust Movement will continue to insist on solutions that are in the interest of citizens and that bring real, not declarative, changes.
