WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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SOURCE: ANTENA M -AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS
An unusual initiative was sent to the Council for proposing names for settlements, streets and squares in Pljevlja - to rename the streets of King Petar I and Lovćenska into the street of Donald Trump, the president of the United States.
This initiative was sent to the president and members of the Council by a citizen of Pljevlja, Pavle Čolović, who believes that Pljevlja, as a small economy, could benefit from strengthening ties with the Trump administration, and that changing the main street would "bring a spark of freedom and democracy and democratic processes to that city, Montenegro and the entire Balkans".
- I am addressing the Council with a request that the current streets of King Peter I and Lovćenska be renamed Donald Trump Street, that the new street starts from the Post of Montenegro - Pljevlja branch, through the city center, on Jali, Lovćenska Street, and finally to the former factory 1. december (Military Factory). Following the example of the countries of Russia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Turkey that named streets and squares after American presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump - stated Čolović in a letter that Portal ETV had access to.
He explained the reasons why he thinks this proposal of his is justified and that it should be adopted in that city, and as the first one, he singled out the fact that Montenegro became a member of NATO and an important ally of the US during Trump's previous mandate.
- After Montenegro became a member of NATO in 2017, the Trump administration clearly supported the country's entry into this military alliance, which is an important step in its stability and security. This strategic decision helped strengthen relations between the US and Montenegro, which could be a reason to recognize this politician. This step in the integration of Montenegro into international military structures was historic, and Trump's support for this process deserves recognition - Čolović stated in the proposal.
Another reason why Trump could deserve the name of a street in Montenegro is, in Čolović's opinion, his role in promoting economic interests.
- During his administration, the US was focused on increasing economic ties with numerous countries, including the Balkans. His approach to trade policy, although controversial, encouraged many countries to consider new business opportunities. Although the effects of his policies were not the same in all regions, his impact on the global market cannot be ignored. Also, Donald Trump was recognizable for his specific style of conducting politics, which caused global reactions. Although many did not agree with his views, some considered him a leader who fought for the interests of his country and who was ready to oppose traditional political norms. In Montenegro, which has historically been under the influence of major world powers, the presence of his figure could be a symbol of hope for independence and resourcefulness in global relations – assessed Čolović.
The segment related to the Pljevlja Coal Mine AD stands out as particularly interesting. Čolović claims that, out of the public eye, the former executive director of that company in America signed the unfavorable Washington Memorandum on the closure of the Pljevlja Coal Mine and Thermal Power Plant.
He reminds that US President Donald Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement (green agenda), which, Čolović assesses sarcastically, gives hope for the further economic survival of Pljevlja, the existence of its citizens, the preservation of jobs and the prosperity of that municipality.
- The current global concept of the green agenda is currently on the airwaves. And precisely in the countries where it was originally conceived! Closing the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant would lead to the closure of Pljevlja itself, because a just transition is not set up to be fair to the citizens. Donald Trump simply wants to get the American and world economy back on its feet, he announces a golden age and wants to use the gas, coal and oil that America and the world have to strengthen the American and world economy. In this context, his statement in that inaugural speech when he said: “We will dig, we will definitely dig!” Which many understood as somehow small and threatening. Well, it is, in essence, because America and the world will continue with the exploitation of coal, gas and shale, which environmentalists highly criticize, but it gives an opportunity, so to speak, to many American and world companies to develop, to employ new people," he says, adding that "one job in the energy sector attracts a number of other jobs in other sectors." Thus, it gives Pljevlja an opportunity to develop and progress and to create new jobs - Čolović further explains.
He believes that President Trump will be remembered as the leader of the American administration that unanimously rejected the hegemonic policy towards the Western Balkans, a man who insisted on peaceful solutions in the world and who strongly supports the Euro-Atlantic path of the Western Balkans.
- Accordingly, the main street in Pljevlja named after Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America, in addition to gratitude citizens of Pljevlja, a friend of our homeland, will remain as a permanent symbol of friendship between the Balkan peoples and the American people, and as a monument to the friendly and partnership relations between Montenegro and the United States of America – said Čolović.
Pljevljak believes that this proposal will be supported by almost every one of his fellow citizens, because, as he points out, topics "that bring us closer and that contribute to the progress of the municipality of Pljevlja and the general good of our fellow citizens should be encouraged".
- The situation in Pljevlja is catastrophic and only Donald Trump can save us – concluded Čolović in a letter addressed to the Council for proposing the names of settlements, streets and squares.
