Montenegro capital officials deny claims city pays 'bot' contractors

City officials of Podgorica – including secretaries, directors, the chief administrator and the chief city architect – publicly rejected statements made by Srđan Perić, president of the City Assembly, that the municipality "pays an army of bots" through contract work. The officials called the accusations "vague, baseless and extremely insulting" and said they tarnish the professional reputation and personal dignity of legally employed contractors.

They urged Perić to present any evidence to the appropriate authorities, warning that without proof the allegations constitute defamation. The statement also appealed to the European Union delegation in Montenegro to condemn the practice of making unverified accusations that target citizens, emphasizing the need for respectful public debate.

The allegations were originally voiced on the TV Adria program "Fakti".