Đukanović: Minority government is a reality in the next year

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, announced in an interview for Albanian MCN TV that after the fall of Zdravko Krivokapić's government, his proposal as president was to go for early elections, but he emphasized that at this moment there is no willingness among the parties for that scenario. He stated that it is most realistic that Montenegro will have a minority government in the next year.

"I thought that was the fairest approach to the voters. I would say that at this moment there is no willingness among the parties for that scenario. It seems to me that it is most realistic that we will have a minority government in Montenegro during the next year, and I believe that one of its most important tasks will be preparation for the parliamentary elections that will follow afterwards," Đukanović pointed out.

He states that he will not allow anyone to cause instability in Montenegro.

"It will come back like a boomerang to those who try to induce instability in Montenegro," Đukanović was clear.

When he draws a parallel with the protests due to the adoption of the Law on Freedom of Religion from two years ago, he has a clear message.

"You cannot step into the same water twice," Đukanović emphasized.

Montenegro and the region, he adds, are still fighting against nationalism.

The unfavorable historical legacy, he says, is the biggest threat to the security of the region, at the epicenter of which is the economic backwardness of the region, where intolerance most easily settles, as well as an insufficient level of education.

"Education systems generate knowledge that does not help young generations to be competitive enough in the European market," Đukanović assessed.

Regarding the breakup of Yugoslavia, he believes it was the biggest catastrophe for all peoples.

"Nationalists have raised their heads again and are trying to revitalize ideas. The crisis in the Balkans is ideal ground for the restoration of retrograde ideas," Đukanović added.

As Đukanović pointed out, Moscow is trying to undermine the European value system and unity through Western Europe.

"It is playing the card of nationalism. Their policy is to encourage nationalism," Đukanović added.

There will be no harm in not participating in Open Balkan

He considers regional initiatives welcome, but he views the "Open Balkan" initiative with reservation.

"Most of the ideas that Open Balkan promotes are already contained in other regional initiatives, starting with the Berlin Process, CEFTA. Our reasoning is that initiatives should not be multiplied, especially those under the patronage of Berlin and Brussels. Also, we politically recognize that Open Balkan is offered as an alternative to EU membership. The answer is that we do not need an alternative, but EU membership," Đukanović stated.

The third reason for reservation, he adds, is the lack of credibility of some people who promote Open Balkan, and by that he means Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

"The man who is trying to present himself as a man of cooperation through the Open Balkan initiative is the same man who is undermining the sovereignty of neighboring countries. There will be no harm in not participating in Open Balkan. Whoever sees interest in it, good luck to them," Đukanović emphasized.

He believes and hopes that the EU will survive.

"It is important that the EU, guided by its needs and the needs of all of us citizens, remains consistent with itself and its values. It is important that it completes the process of unification. Only a fully united Europe with the Western Balkan countries can be strong and competitive," said Đukanović.

He does not want to think about an alternative to the EU.

"Russia is acting with the idea of destroying Europe. So, will that be the alternative?" Đukanović pointed out.

Commenting on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Đukanović emphasizes that it is a grave mistake made by Russia, which violates international law.

"Let's hope that reason will prevail in the shortest possible time and that we will return to diplomacy," Đukanović concluded.