Suspicions of irregularities are mounting in the concession process for Montenegro’s airports, as an airport initially eliminated from the bidding has re-emerged as the frontrunner. This Wednesday, the tender commission finalized its work and submitted the ultimate ranking of bidders to the Ministry of Transport, following a protracted process marked by extended deadlines, repeated procedures, and powerful influences.
Controversial Ranking and Suspicions of Interference
Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) was ranked first with 96.18 points, while Corporation America Airports (CAAP) came in second with 65.18 points. This ranking is particularly controversial because IIAC had initially been eliminated from the competition, only to be reinstated later as the leading bidder after alleged interventions and “consultations” from interested parties.
This concession is considered vital for Montenegro’s economic future, making it the government’s duty to ensure maximum public benefit. However, questions are being raised about whether the government is fulfilling this mission, protecting public interest, or if the process has been captured by specific interest groups.
Secret Meeting Fuels Accusations of Political Interference
According to media sources, a secret meeting has alarmed the public. Participants reportedly included:
- Milojko Spajić – Prime Minister of Montenegro
- Bodin Bulatović – Regional Officer for Serbia and the Western Balkans at the International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Ana Marojević – General Manager of Menzies Aviation for Serbia and Montenegro
- Representatives of IIAC
Under normal circumstances, such a meeting might be interpreted as an effort to attract foreign investment. However, this is occurring during an active tender process, leading to questions about why these key aviation actors are meeting with the Prime Minister, seemingly endorsing a predetermined winner.
Suspicious Network and Undeclared Agreements
Furthermore, the meeting allegedly involved figures closely linked to the Prime Minister with direct interests in the process:
- IIAC is purportedly set to be declared the winner on the condition that it invests only the legal minimum and complies with subsequent decisions.
- Ana Marojević is expected to gain rights for ground services at both airports without competition, through a 50-50 partnership reportedly involving the Prime Minister himself.
- Roko Tolić, Airports Director and a close friend of the Prime Minister, is expected to continue his mandate, portraying this as a “rebirth of airport service.”
- Bodin Bulatović from IFC will allegedly be presented as the “expert who successfully closed the concession,” while benefiting financially behind the scenes without bearing responsibility for any decisions.
- Concerns are also raised that organized crime could gain two open gates to expand its activities, now with the alleged blessing of state structures.
Flagrant Violation of Law
According to the Concessions Law and the “Request for Proposals” (RFP) document: “While Proposals are under consideration, bidders and/or their representatives shall refrain from any contact with the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry, the Tender Commission and/or their representatives regarding the proposals.”
The reported meeting directly contradicts this provision, profoundly compromising public trust in the fairness and transparency of the process.
Conclusion: Citizens Pay, Elite Profits
It appears there is a well-orchestrated plan by a narrow circle of powerful individuals attempting to control public assets as if they were private businesses. The selection of a bid with 70% less investment and questionable practices is seen as a step towards preserving the status quo: Montenegro’s airports remaining among the least developed in the region.
