Ulcinj school director appointment controversy

A controversy has emerged in Montenegro following the appointment of Snežana Živanović as the director of the ‘Bratstvo-jedinstvo’ secondary school in Ulcinj. The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation defended the selection, stating that Živanović achieved the highest score in a formal competition and possesses B2-level proficiency in the Albanian language. The Ministry maintained that professional results and legal procedures were the sole criteria for the appointment.

Political leaders have challenged this decision, raising concerns regarding ethnic representation and minority rights. Nik Đeljošaj, leader of the Albanian Forum, criticized the appointment and called for the Minister’s resignation, suggesting the decision reflected ethnic bias rather than professional merit.

In response to the backlash, the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights stated that educational leaders must be selected based on expertise and experience without discrimination. However, MP Ilir Čapuni questioned the verification of the candidate’s Albanian language proficiency and noted a lack of engagement with the Albanian National Council, a legally recognized representative body.