Vladislav Dajković, president of the political party Free Montenegro and head of the Citizens’ Service
Bridging Citizens and Diplomacy: Vladislav Dajković’s Vision for Podgorica as a Hub of Transparency, Innovation, and Regional Leadership
The president of the political party Free Montenegro and head of the Citizens’ Service discusses priorities, international cooperation, and the vision for the development of Podgorica.
In an interview for the magazine Diplomacy & Commerce, Vladislav Dajković talks about the challenges and achievements in working with citizens, as well as his vision of Podgorica as a center for dialogue, innovation, and international cooperation.
Your position as a member of the City Assembly of Podgorica and head of the Citizens’ Service carries significant responsibilities. What do you consider your greatest achievement in these roles and how do you perceive their impact on the daily lives of citizens?
I believe my greatest achievement is enhancing the transparency and accessibility of services for citizens. We’ve implemented more efficient procedures, simplified communication channels, and enabled citizens to more easily obtain information and resolve their issues. This makes daily life smoother from quicker document processing to more responsive handling of complaints. My goal is for the Citizens’ Service to become a symbol of trust and openness in the city administration.
In the context of public diplomacy – how would you like citizens and the international community to perceive Podgorica and Montenegro through your role? What channels and tools do you use to shape the image?
It is important to me that we present Podgorica as a modern, open, and inclusive city. I want citizens and the international community to recognize the capital as a place of dialogue, cultural exchange, and innovation. We utilize various channels from social media and local and international media to public events and forums to convey the image of a city that respects tradition while boldly building its future.
How important is communication with citizens compared to communication with international actors in your work?
How do you balance these two aspects? I believe both levels are equally important and complement each other. Citizens must feel that local government is accessible, listens to them, and responds to their needs. At the same time, opening Podgorica to the international community creates new opportunities from investments and cultural and educational projects to infrastructure development. My job is to ensure that these two dimensions are not separated but work together for the benefit of all citizens.
Do you see elements of “commercial diplomacy” in your work, where local government encourages business, investment, and partnerships? If so, what has your experience been like?
In my work, I see a clear connection between local governance and fostering the development of the business environment. Our goal is to make Podgorica an attractive destination for investors, and we achieve this through streamlined administrative procedures, providing support for entrepreneurs, and the promotion of projects that can attract new investments. We’ve launched several initiatives that connect local entrepreneurs with international partners and promote innovation.
Does your position enable the Capital City to serve as a bridge between domestic policies and international actors? Do you have examples of cooperation with diplomatic missions or international organizations? How do you view regional cooperation in the Western Balkans?
I believe that the Capital City plays a unique role in connecting domestic and international stakeholders. Through collaboration with embassies, international organizations, and partner cities, we have been able to create opportunities for experience exchange and joint projects. In the area of regional cooperation, I particularly value the significance of joint infrastructure and cultural initiatives that strengthen stability and economic development in the Western Balkans. Such cooperation sends a clear message that the region is ready to take collective steps toward European standards.
What are the key priorities you plan to implement in the upcoming period, and howdo you intend to achieve them?
Further digitalization of services, enhancing communication with citizens, and creating conditions for the sustainable development of the city. We plan to introduce new platforms that will allow citizens to monitor the work of the administration in real time, as well as initiatives aimed at improving the quality of public spaces and infrastructure. All of these efforts will be carried out in partnership with local and international institutions, because only through joint efforts can we build a city that meets the needs of its citizens.