Environmental NGOs in Montenegro staged a powerful symbolic funeral for the country’s Constitution in front of the Parliament building in Podgorica, protesting against the government’s planned ratification of an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement would grant a 90-year lease of Velika Plaža (Long Beach) in Ulcinj to an Emirati company, raising alarms over sovereignty, environmental damage, and lack of transparency.
Protesters laid wreaths and flowers, simulating a mourning ceremony to highlight what they called the death of the Constitution and Montenegro’s ecological identity.
A framed copy of the Constitution draped in black cloth stood at the center of the demonstration.
Environmental and Civic Alarm Over the UAE Agreement
The demonstration was attended by hundreds of citizens, activists, and political representatives. They warned that the agreement poses a direct threat to national sovereignty, constitutional order, and Montenegro’s EU path.
“This agreement threatens the state’s sovereignty, natural resources, and democratic processes,” said Vanja Ćalović Marković, director of NGO MANS.
The protest occurred just before the parliamentary session where the ruling coalition is expected to approve two deals with the UAE—one on economic cooperation, and another, more controversial, on tourism and real estate development, particularly focused on Ulcinj’s iconic beach.
Massive Investment or Misleading Figures?
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić previously announced that UAE businessman Mohamed Alabbar (Emaar Properties) was prepared to invest over €35 billion in the project.
However, the newly appointed Minister of Public Works, Majda Adžović, later clarified that the figure represents the overall potential impact of the development, not a direct commitment from Alabbar.
Critics say this vagueness reflects deeper issues of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and disregard for local communities.
Ulcinj’s Mayor and President Milatović Join Opposition
Genci Nimanbegu, Mayor of Ulcinj, joined the protest and urged MPs not to approve the deals. He directly criticized PM Spajić:
“They only see profit. This fight for Velika Plaža is a fight for truth, dignity, and the soul of Montenegro.”
Protesters held banners reading:
“Don’t Betray Velika Plaža”,
“Investors get profit, politicians get cuts, we get concrete”,
and “Shame on you!”
The demonstration also included a roadblock of Bulevar Svetog Petra Cetinjskog, the street in front of Parliament.
Even President Jakov Milatović condemned the deal, labeling it unconstitutional and illegal, and demanded an official investigation.
This marks the second protest outside the Montenegrin Parliament in a week, signaling growing civil resistance against unchecked foreign investments and their implications for the environment and national identity.
