A long-term lease of coastal state-owned property in Ulcinj, particularly in the Bojana river delta and Long Beach areas, has triggered broader concerns about transparency, possible conflicts of interest, and the management of public assets in Montenegro’s tourism sector.
The case centres on the “Barbana” restaurant, reportedly leased without a public tender until 2031 to Diljaver Kucevic, who is publicly referred to as Dritan Abazovic’s best man. There are conflicting claims about the annual rent, with figures ranging from around €13,000 to €20,000, as well as disputes over whether the price reflects market value and the condition of the property before leasing.
The state-owned company Ulcinj Riviera says the facility was previously in poor condition and that leasing it was necessary to secure investment and prevent further losses, while the leaseholder argues he invested significant private funds, denies political connections, and claims the contract included annual rent increases.
The issue has become part of a wider public debate in Montenegro about how valuable coastal assets are allocated, whether procedures are sufficiently transparent, and whether political or personal connections may influence decisions regarding state property.
