Milatović: It is important to form a government supported by a majority of 49 MPs

(Patria) - The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, stated that it is important to form a government supported by a majority of 49 MPs, and expects to give the mandate to the prime minister-designate, his party colleague Milojko Spajić, in August.

Milatović would like to see representatives of all political parties representing minority peoples in the new Government, CdM reports.

“I think that would be a very good thing for Montenegro. For me, it is important that the government is stable, European, and reform-oriented,” Milatović said, answering journalists' questions in Berane.

Next week, the constitutive session of the Assembly will be held.

“Immediately after that, I will start talks with all political entities. I think I can finish this in a reasonable time and give the mandate to the prime minister-designate during August,” Milatović pointed out.

When asked if he would like to see representatives of the Serbian people in the new Government, Milatović emphasizes that he has repeatedly stated that he does not want to talk about who should or should not be.

“I want to talk about the government on principle. There should be as many entities as possible in the government, so that the government is stronger, has greater support in the Assembly, not at the expense of principles and programs. The main priority is to accelerate the European path, because I truly believe that there is now a momentum that Montenegro must use to move significantly forward towards full membership in the EU. In that regard, I am very clear – the Serbian, Montenegrin, Albanian, Bosniak, and Croatian peoples, all peoples should be part of the Government of Montenegro, because all these peoples make up Montenegro, but I don't think that should be the principle by which the government is formed,” Milatović stated.

Asked how much a government supported by only 41 MPs can lead Montenegro to the EU, Milatović replies that any government that has a majority in parliament can.

“For major reforms in the judiciary, a majority of at least 49 MPs is needed. In that sense, it is important to proceed, at least to try, to form a government supported by a majority of 49 MPs. This logic is somewhat clear, because the continuation of reforms in the judiciary is the key to the recovery of our society,” Milatović said.

The rule of law, he emphasizes, is the foundation of everything.

“And the development of the economy, all other things related to social justice, improving infrastructural connectivity in Montenegro. Without the rule of law and the return of citizens' trust in our institutions – we have wasted our efforts, as they say,” Milatović concluded.