The disregard and weakening of democratic institutions by pro-Serb and pro-Russian parties in Montenegro have been sharply criticized in recent sessions of Parliament. Lawmakers called on Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to take a clear stance against these political forces, which are involved in his government.
Their ongoing demands for dual citizenship, the official recognition of the Serbian language, harsh rhetoric against Kosovo’s independence, deteriorating relations with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other issues indicate destabilizing activities by pro-Serb parties aimed at harming the country’s European perspective, according to analysts.
Pro-Serb and pro-Russian parties, which are part of the government, are attempting to weaken and disregard Montenegro’s democratic institutions with their actions and rhetoric, and possibly slow down the country’s European integration, as stated in the latest session of the Montenegrin Parliament.
These continuous demands, such as dual citizenship, the officialization of the Serbian language, anti-Kosovo independence rhetoric, and strained relations with Croatia and Bosnia, are all viewed as destabilizing actions by pro-Serb parties, with the intention of undermining Montenegro’s European integration prospects.
These demands were harshly criticized by the Montenegrin opposition, which blamed the pro-Serb parties, particularly the Speaker of Parliament, Andrija Mandić, for anti-state activities.
Danijel Zhivković, a member of the opposition Socialist People’s Party, urged Prime Minister Spajić to take a firm position on the demands of pro-Serb parties involved in his government.
“By remaining silent and not addressing these issues, Prime Minister Spajić is allowing these extreme actions by pro-Serb parties. Thus, it seems likely that this parliamentary majority will push for constitutional changes, in line with the provisions desired by pro-Serb parties,” said Zhivković.
In response to these criticisms, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić emphasized that all political actors in the country should focus on European integration, with Brussels offering a very positive report on meeting the required standards.
“Without broad consensus, the Constitution cannot be changed. This consensus should include the opposition. But currently, all political representatives have the duty to focus on the European integration process and prioritize this issue, for which Brussels has given a very positive report,” said Spajić.
However, the Speaker of Parliament and representative of pro-Serb parties, Andrija Mandić, reiterated that his stance on the demands of Serbs in Montenegro is just and democratic.
“The Constitution is not a sacred book that cannot be changed. The Constitution is a living matter, as are the laws, and if two-thirds of the Parliament agree, the necessary amendments can be made in the Constitution, in line with the demands of Serbs in Montenegro, which are just and democratic,” said Mandić.
In this context, Bosniak and Albanian minority parties, which are part of the government, do not support any demands that harm Montenegro’s sovereignty or damage relations with neighboring countries.
As they stated, they “remain loyal to the agreement signed, which commits them to respecting the Euro-Atlantic course and to developing friendly cooperation with all countries recognized by Montenegro.”
