New Coalition Government Forms in Montenegro
Montenegro’s Parliament approved a new coalition government led by Milojko Spajić (Flickr).
Montenegro approved a new coalition government led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić on October 31, as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. The coalition is composed of the Europe Now Movement (PES), Democrats, Socialist People’s Party, Albanian minority parties, and the pro-Serbian alliance “For the Future of Montenegro.” This change in leadership followed a vote of no confidence in former Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic by Montenegro’s Parliament on August 20. The motion of no confidence was initiated by Milo Djukanovic, president of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS). Notably, this marks the third government formed by the parliament elected in August 2020.
According to the RFE/RL, the catalyst for the vote of no confidence was Abazovic’s controversial agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church—the largest church in Montenegro—which does not fully recognize Montenegro’s independence from Serbia. The agreement outlined state obligations to the church, including detailing real estate ownership rights.
This aforementioned agreement ignited intense debate, as critics charged that it undermines Montenegro’s national interest and allows Serbia and Russia to increase their presence in the country. Furthermore, Abazovic faced criticism for his failure to advance European integration and achieve a unified state.
The new government, with its diverse coalition of parties, represents a various assortment of Montenegrin politics. As documented by the Associated Press, controversial political figure Andrija Mandic was appointed parliament speaker in order to secure the support of the pro-Serbian and pro-Russian alliance For the Future of Montenegro. Mandic, leader of the For the Future movement, has advocated for closer ties with Russia, opposed Montenegro's NATO membership, criticized sanctions against Russia, and spoken out against Montenegro's independence. Mandic's For the Future of Montenegro backed Spajic's minority administration as part of a coalition deal that strengthened his candidacy. In return, For the Future of Montenegro will enter the government the following year. According to RFE/RL, the appointment of Spajić as prime minister and Mandic as parliament speaker resulted from a monumental vote of 46 of the 81 parliament members in favor. However, the successful vote was the outcome of political alliances and negotiations, rather than a legitimate reflection of the coalition’s popularity, reports Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
The composition of the new government includes a prime minister, five deputy ministers, and 19 ministers. According to RFE/RL, these ministers represent various parties, including the pro-European Democrats, the pro-Serbian Socialist People’s Party, and five smaller parties representing Montenegro's Albanian minority. Notably, the Europe Now Movement holds the majority of ministerial posts.
The new government has presented four main priorities. News8000 reported that Prime Minister Spajić is emphasizing the importance of Montenegro's journey toward EU membership and NATO affiliation, as well as regional cooperation and active participation in multilateral organizations. He has expressed the government's ambition to expedite Montenegro's European integration and strive for EU membership. Additionally, the government seeks to enhance diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and participate more actively in multilateral organizations.
Furthermore, the government aims to bring about significant changes within the country itself, with a focus on strengthening social cohesion and national unity. It aspires to make Montenegro the “Switzerland of the Balkans” and the “Singapore of Europe” by investing in key areas such as education, energy, and transportation infrastructure. This process will involve tax reforms aimed at broadening the tax base, increasing wages, and reducing the working week.
One significant challenge that the new prime minister will face is the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption of the regular 10-year population census cycle, which was last conducted in 2011. Some political parties in Montenegro argue that conducting the census now poses significant risks to stability, as it could exacerbate social tensions and fuel nationalism within the country.