Montenegro’s pro-Serbian parties spark debate as EU path faces hurdles

Nov. 10, 2024 – Montenegro’s government faced heated criticism in parliament this week over what opposition lawmakers call the undermining of democratic institutions by pro-Serbian and pro-Russian parties within the ruling coalition. The opposition urged Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to take a clear stance on policies pushed by these groups, which they argue are pulling Montenegro away from its path toward European Union membership.

The criticism centers on calls from these parties for dual citizenship, the official status of Serbian as a state language, and repeated rhetoric against Kosovo’s independence. Critics say these positions, along with rising tensions with neighboring Croatia and Bosnia, are creating instability and stand in the way of Montenegro’s EU ambitions.

Danijel Zhivković, an opposition MP with the Social Democratic Party, directly called on Spajić to address the situation. “The prime minister’s silence on these matters allows extreme actions that could pull Montenegro away from Europe,” said Zhivković, warning that the coalition’s parliamentary majority could enable them to amend the constitution in ways the pro-Serbian parties support.

Prime Minister Spajić responded, emphasizing his commitment to Montenegro’s EU goals and urging lawmakers to focus on unity. “Changing the constitution would need broad consensus, including opposition support,” he said, pointing to positive feedback from Brussels on Montenegro’s progress.

Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić, a prominent pro-Serbian leader, defended the policies as “fair and democratic,” arguing that if parliament secures a two-thirds majority, the constitution should reflect the needs of the Serbian community in Montenegro.

Montenegro’s Bosniak and Albanian minority parties, also part of the coalition, voiced their opposition to any policy changes that could harm the country’s relationships with its neighbors or threaten its sovereignty. They reaffirmed their commitment to Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic alignment and to maintaining good relations in the region.

As Montenegro faces these internal divisions, its EU ambitions appear more uncertain, with growing tensions around national identity and alliances.