Local governance and public rights updates in Croatia and Montenegro

In Croatia, Marijana Puntarić, the director of Komunalac Požega, has faced scrutiny following accusations of publishing unverified claims against local media outlets. Puntarić previously alleged that certain portals published “unobjective, arbitrary, and untrue information” regarding the company’s operations. However, media representatives have noted that she failed to specify which articles or specific statements were inaccurate, despite formal requests for clarification and evidence.

In Montenegro, Srđan Perić, President of the Assembly of the Capital City, announced that an administrative oversight report from the Ministry of Public Administration has confirmed the right of citizens to participate in public consultations. Perić emphasized that these consultations are essential for participatory local democracy and should serve as a tool for better local governance rather than a mere formality. He expressed intent to improve these practices to ensure citizens are heard before decisions are finalized.