Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has officially declined an invitation to attend the “glamorous celebration” marking the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence, which is set to take place on May 21, 2026.
Speaking from the construction site of the upcoming Expo exhibition, Vučić delivered a sharp critique of the event, framing the anniversary as a celebration of “secession from Serbia.”
“A Celebration of Separation”
Vučić made it clear that his presence at the event in Podgorica would be a betrayal of his national principles and the history of the joint state.
“I will not go to the glamorous celebration of secession from my Serbia,” Vučić told reporters. “I would be ashamed, and I would be spitting in my own face and the face of my people. Let them celebrate whatever they want.”
The President added that while he sees the immense happiness in Montenegro regarding their departure from the state union with Serbia, he wishes them “all the luck in the world” while refocusing on Serbia’s own economic progress.
Criticism of the 2006 Leadership
Vučić also used the opportunity to reflect on the historical context of the 2006 referendum, expressing disdain for the Serbian and State Union leadership of that era (President of Serbia Boris Tadić and President of the State Union Svetozar Marović). He noted he could “say a lot” about the “incompetence” of the leadership that allowed the split to happen.
Language and European Standards
The President touched upon the cultural friction between the two nations, specifically regarding the Serbian language in Montenegro. He expressed frustration that European institutions do not insist on the rights of the Serbian language in Montenegro with the same vigor they apply to other issues.
The “Glamorous” Lineup in Podgorica
Montenegrin media have reported that the central celebration on May 21 will be a massive cultural event. The lineup for the 20th-anniversary concert in Podgorica reportedly includes:
- International Stars: Ricky Martin and DJ Robin Schulz.
- Regional Artists: Tamara Živković, Milena Vučić, and Nenad Knežević Knez.
Historical Context: The 2006 Referendum
On May 21, 2006, Montenegro held a landmark referendum asking citizens if they wanted the Republic of Montenegro to be an independent state.
- The Result: 55.5% of those who voted supported independence, narrowly surpassing the 55% threshold set by the European Union.
- The Outcome: The vote led to the dissolution of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, ending the final remnants of the Yugoslav federation.
Vučić’s refusal to attend underscores the lingering diplomatic and emotional complexities that define the relationship between Belgrade and Podgorica two decades after the split.
