Montenegro’s government has approved an economic cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes leasing Ulcinj’s Great Beach (Plazhi i Madh) to a UAE-based company for 99 years. This decision, made without consulting the local community, has sparked significant outrage in Ulcinj, a predominantly Albanian town that relies heavily on tourism as a primary source of income.
The move is seen by many as a direct economic attack on Ulcinj’s Albanian population, depriving them of one of their most valuable economic resources. Given that Ulcinj is almost exclusively inhabited by Albanians, the decision raises concerns about systemic discrimination and what some activists are calling a form of "soft genocide"—a policy aimed at driving Albanians out of Montenegro by eliminating their economic opportunities.
Lack of Local Consultation and Political Pushback
Despite the significant impact of this lease on the local economy, Montenegro’s government failed to engage with Ulcinj’s municipal authorities before making its decision. Representatives of all political parties in Ulcinj have united in condemning the plan, declaring that "Ulcinj is not for sale."
The mayor of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, has called for a large-scale protest on the first Saturday of April, coinciding with Ulcinj’s City Day celebrations. According to Nimanbegu, the decision to lease the Great Beach is a direct threat to the town’s economic future, and the unanimous opposition from Ulcinj’s municipal council—composed of 33 councilors—reflects the strong local resistance to this policy. “We support investments, but not under conditions that harm our community,” he stated, urging all residents to join the demonstration.
The Role of Albanian Representatives in Montenegro’s Government
Albanian political groups are formally part of Montenegro’s ruling coalition, holding a deputy prime minister position and three ministerial posts. However, their silence on this issue raises questions about their influence in decision-making processes. If they cannot prevent policies that directly harm the Albanian community, their role in the government may be largely symbolic, rather than substantive.
Economic Marginalization and a Broader Pattern of Discrimination
Ulcinj’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, and the Great Beach represents a vital source of income for local businesses and families. By transferring control of this key economic asset to a foreign entity without local oversight, the Montenegrin government effectively undermines the financial stability of the Albanian community. This fits into a broader pattern of economic and political marginalization of Albanians in Montenegro, where state policies increasingly push them into economic precarity, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods and forcing many to leave the country.
The Need for a Strong Response
The protest in April will be a critical moment for Ulcinj’s residents to demonstrate their collective opposition to this economic takeover. However, international attention and pressure are also necessary to prevent further discriminatory policies against Montenegro’s Albanian community. If Montenegro is to claim European values of democracy and minority rights, it must respect the economic and political rights of all its citizens, including the Albanians of Ulcinj.
For now, one message remains clear: Ulcinj is not for sale, and its people will not accept policies that threaten their future.