Petnjica local government political crisis

The municipality of Petnjica has entered a period of political instability characterized by a recurring inability to convene the local assembly. Initially, reports indicated that the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) was facing a crisis due to a lack of a stable majority, which prevented the discussion of the municipality’s final accounts for the previous year. While Mayor Samir Agović attributed these delays to routine summer breaks and annual leave, opposition members suggested the absence of councilors signaled a loss of decision-making power.

This situation has evolved into a prolonged deadlock. The local assembly has failed to hold its 27th regular session for ten consecutive attempts, with the most recent failure occurring on September 10. Opposition figures maintain that the DPS no longer possesses the numbers required to govern effectively, citing the inability to pass critical budget items as evidence of a governance crisis.

As the stalemate continues, discussions have emerged regarding potential intervention by the Ministry of Public Administration or the Government of Montenegro. Possible legal outcomes include the dissolution of the Assembly and the appointment of a commissioner committee.