Sociologist Jovo Bakić said in an interview with Vijesti that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is undoubtedly attempting to influence certain political parties and cultural institutions in Montenegro through financial, quasi-cultural and political means.
Bakić argued that in the past Vučić maintained close relations with similar authorities in Montenegro, with both sides using Serbian and Montenegrin nationalism “as a smokescreen” to conceal criminal activities and personal material interests.
According to Bakić, such policies harm the very Serbian national interest they claim to defend by creating unhealthy clientelism, unproductive nationalist conflicts and a rigid culture of political obedience. He said this does not benefit Montenegro, Serbs living there, or Serbia itself.
“The interests of Serbs, whether in Montenegro or Serbia, cannot lie in poor relations between the two countries,” Bakić said. “The better relations are between Montenegro and Serbia, the more the interests of Serbs will improve.”
Commenting on local elections in Serbia, Bakić said the ruling coalition’s victory in 10 municipalities despite reported irregularities reflected Vučić’s determination to control every level of government. He accused the authorities of using public money, political pressure and security structures to secure electoral support.
Bakić also claimed that recent elections marked by violence, the presence of enforcers and police at polling stations could not be considered free or democratic. At the same time, he argued that even under such conditions the ruling system appears to be weakening.
On the student protests in Serbia, Bakić said the movement remains “alive and well” because the authorities repeatedly revive it through repression and mistakes. He described the student movement as the most dynamic and promising political force in the country.
According to him, the protests have already brought political change by creating a new political culture based on direct democracy through student assemblies and civic forums. He added that the movement has also revived solidarity among citizens, especially between Serbs and Bosniaks in Serbia.
Bakić warned that some politicians in Montenegro actively participate in events organized by Serbia’s ruling party and receive guidance from Belgrade on how to act politically in Montenegro. He said this damages democratic life in both countries and ultimately undermines Serbian national interests.
Reflecting on the role of intellectuals in politics, Bakić said academics should ideally remain independent and free to criticize all political actors. However, he argued that in authoritarian systems, where access to major media is restricted, intellectuals are often forced to organize politically in order to defend themselves and influence society.
