PODGORICA, Montenegro – A statement by Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj describing Ulcinj as an “Albanian city” has triggered strong political reactions and reopened a sensitive debate about ethnic identity, history, and the character of the Montenegrin state.
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| Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj triggered strong political reactions after describing Ulcinj as an "Albanian city," reopening a sensitive debate on ethnic identity and state character. |
"Ulcinj was a city. Ulcinj is a city. Ulcinj will always be a city. Ulcinj is a city with an Albanian majority. Ulcinj is an Albanian city. Ulcinj is a city captured by certain politicians known for corruption. Ulcinj is a city that will be liberated in June 2027. Ulcinj is a European tourism metropolis," Gjeloshaj wrote.
The statement came after a heated debate in the Montenegrin Parliament involving representatives of Albanian political parties during discussions over proposed changes to local self-government legislation.
Parliament Debate Over Ulcinj’s Identity
During the parliamentary debate, Ilir Çapuni from the Albanian Alliance criticized proposed changes that could affect the status of historical urban centers, mentioning cities such as Ulcinj and Kotor.
Meanwhile, Albanian Forum MP Artan Çobi defended the historical importance of Ulcinj, describing it as an ancient city connected with Albanian heritage.
"Ulcinj is an ancient city, an Illyrian city, a city of which Albanians around the world are proud," Çobi said, while criticizing the way the municipality has been governed.
During the discussion, Çobi referred to Ulcinj as an “Albanian city,” later clarifying that he was referring to the historical demographic reality that Albanians represented the majority population in the area.
Gjeloshaj: “A Misinterpretation and Evidence of Albanophobia”
Following the criticism, Gjeloshaj said his remarks had been misunderstood, explaining that terms such as “Albanian municipality” or “Albanian city” refer to historical, cultural, and demographic identity rather than territorial belonging to Albania.
He argued that similar descriptions do not mean that a territory belongs to another country.
"When we say ‘Albanian municipality’ or ‘Albanian city’, we do not mean that they belong to Albania, but describe their historical, cultural, and demographic identity within Montenegro," Gjeloshaj said.
He also claimed that reactions to the statement demonstrate the continued presence of what he called anti-Albanian sentiment in Montenegrin society.
Criticism: “A Political Message That Divides”
The mayor of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, criticized Gjeloshaj’s statement, calling it “delayed wisdom” and suggesting that the timing was linked to upcoming elections.
Asked what he believed the message that Ulcinj is an “Albanian city” represented, Nimanbegu responded briefly:
"Pre-election politics."
The debate also drew reactions from opposition leader Danijel Živković, who warned that defining cities according to ethnic ownership could threaten the civic character of Montenegro.
"There is a big difference between saying Ulcinj is a city with an Albanian majority and saying Ulcinj is an Albanian city. The first is a fact. The second is a political message," Živković said.
He argued that if cities were classified as belonging to specific ethnic groups, Montenegro risked becoming a collection of ethnic territories rather than a unified civic state.
Identity Debate Remains Sensitive in Montenegro
The controversy surrounding Ulcinj highlights how questions of national identity remain deeply sensitive in Montenegro, a country with diverse ethnic communities, including Montenegrins, Serbs, Bosniaks, and Albanians.
While Albanian representatives argue that recognizing historical and cultural identities strengthens minority rights, critics warn that ethnic labeling of cities could deepen divisions.
The debate over “whose city is Ulcinj” reflects broader unresolved questions about identity, citizenship, and the balance between ethnic heritage and the civic model of the Montenegrin state.