Ministry of Culture: The name of the „Radosav Ljumović“ National Library cannot be changed without our consent
Montenegro's Ministry of Culture and Media has stated that the name of a public institution commemorating a prominent individual constitutes a memorial, meaning it cannot be changed through unilateral decisions by the institution's governing body or founder, or outside the procedure prescribed by law.
Responding to reports concerning the proposed renaming of the „Radosav Ljumović“ National Library, the Ministry said that any change to the institution's name must be carried out exclusively in accordance with the Law on Memorials and only with the prior approval of the Ministry of Culture and Media.
- We call on all parties to act responsibly, with full respect for the cultural and historical significance of the name of Radosav Ljumović and the anti-fascist values that represent one of the foundations of Montenegrin society - the Ministry said.
The Ministry noted that the Law on Memorials provides that memorials serve to permanently commemorate important historical events, preserve the memory of distinguished individuals, safeguard cultural and historical traditions, and honour values of particular importance to Montenegro.
- The same law explicitly stipulates that a memorial also includes the name of a public institution, public enterprise, settlement or public facility when it preserves the memory of a prominent individual or symbolises values protected by law - the statement said.
The Ministry stressed that changing the name of a public institution cannot be decided solely by the institution's governing body or its founder, but must follow the special procedure prescribed by the Law on Memorials.
- The law clearly provides that memorials may be established or altered only in accordance with the Memorial Construction Programme adopted by the municipal assembly, the Assembly of the Capital City, or the Assembly of the Royal Capital, and only with the prior approval of the state administration authority responsible for cultural affairs. Without following this procedure and obtaining the prior consent of the Ministry of Culture and Media, it is not legally possible to change the name of a public institution - the Ministry said.
It added that, in this particular case, the Ministry had not received a request for approval, nor had any procedure been initiated in which it could determine, in accordance with its legal powers, whether the statutory conditions set out in the Law on Memorials had been met.
The Ministry also called on all public authorities to act strictly within the scope of their legal powers.
- We expect all public authorities to respect the procedures prescribed by law. Compliance with the legal order is not a matter of choice but an obligation for all public officials exercising public authority. The protection of Montenegro's cultural heritage, historical memory and identity can be ensured only through the consistent application of the law. Any action contrary to the legally prescribed procedure in such a sensitive matter entails clear legal responsibility - the Ministry of Culture and Media concluded.