Đukanović: At this moment, the most important thing is for Montenegro to confirm it wants to continue its European path

(Patria) - Former President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović said he expects Montenegro to confirm its commitment to developing as an anti-fascist, civic, and European state and to continue the path it embarked on after May 21, 2006.

That, he added, is the path it followed dynamically and stably until three years ago, when it paused and showed hesitation.

“All of that is natural in the life of a young state, regardless of its historical duration. Only 17 years after renewed independence. I believe citizens have had the opportunity to assess the quality of the political offer and will make a wise decision,” Đukanović said.

He noted that he recently withdrew from politics but cannot be uninterested in politics.

“I am interested in this country becoming an EU member. At this moment, the most important thing is for Montenegro to confirm it wants to continue its European path,” Đukanović said.

Commenting on what Montenegrin journalists call the “Spajić affair,” he said state authorities should react as soon as possible and determine whether that affair bears the name “Spajić or someone else.”

“I think this is an ideal task for the competent prosecutor, who should establish who is misleading the public. A lot of scandalous, irresponsible, dilettantish, and adventurous behavior has settled on the political scene, and it needs to be gradually cleaned up, so that Montenegro returns to the path of the rule of law,” he said.

Responding to various accusations, he replied ironically: “I led it to the war that was here in the 90s, to stand with an outstretched hand towards Serbia, to be bombed, to not become independent, I prevented it from joining NATO. I admit all of that.”

He stated that he expects the government to be formed quickly and that the picture will be clear as early as this evening.

When asked whether Đukanović from 2023 would enter a coalition with Đukanović from 1992, he replied: “Yes. Because Đukanović from 1992 desperately wanted to defend Yugoslavia. That proved impossible due to circumstances that were not only Yugoslav but geopolitical. I am proud of that part of my political engagement.”