Montenegro Airport Tender: Transparency Concerns Spark International Consultant's Withdrawal

Montenegro's Airport Tender Under Scrutiny After Key Consultant Withdraws PODGORICA, Montenegro — The tender process for the concession of Montenegro's airports has been thrown into disarray after a leading international consultant, AFC, withdrew its participation, citing concerns over transparency and fairness. The move follows the tender commission's controversial decision to give a South Korean company, Incheon International Airport Corporation, a score of only 79.7 out of a possible 80 points. AFC, in contrast, received a score of 95 out of 100 points. "We believe the process lacked transparency and that our concerns were not adequately addressed," stated an AFC representative. Prime Minister Milojk Spajić responded by calling for a review of the commission's decision, emphasizing the potential impact on Montenegro's European integration prospects. "We must ensure fairness and transparency in all public tenders," Spajić declared. The low score given to Incheon International Airport Corporation, coupled with AFC's withdrawal, has raised questions about potential irregularities. The incident underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in Montenegro's public procurement processes. The government's response indicates a commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring a fair outcome.