English

Serwer on elections in Montenegro: NATO won, Putin lost

“Russia has lost. It appears NATO has won. It is Djukanovic’s victory, although perhaps not as convincing as the Montenegrin prime minister and DPS leader would have liked. Djukanovic will have the chance to form a government and will need a coalition, for which there are many options”, he said.

Serwer believes that a government made up of the DPS and minority parties would be stable.

“I don’t see why it wouldn’t be the case. It seems to me that most minorities in Montenegro not only accept Djukanovic but are also happy with the idea of Montenegro becoming a member of NATO, which they see as a guarantee of a certain level of decent treatment because the NATO club is a democracy that treats their minorities in the right way”, Serwer said.

However, Serwer noted that there was still opposition to Euro-Atlantic integration in Montenegro.

“The opposition is largely encouraged by the Russians, who are trying to prevent the accession of Montenegro to NATO and at the same time warn Serbia against joining. However, they lost. This is a clear and unequivocal loss of Vladimir Putin, but I expect that he will continue trying to cause problems in Montenegro”, he said.

According to the American analyst, Montenegro lacks opposition who is not obsessed with the NATO issue and who is not against the European Union.

“Montenegro needs a viable opposition, accepting the independence and sovereignty of the country and who does not lead a campaign against NATO and the EU, but against Djukanovic or corruption, or advocates for better policy in economy. It is an important part that Montenegro lacks – a democratically oriented opposition that is able to get into power and govern the country if it wins the election”, he said.

Serwer also believes that Washington will be largely satisfied with the elections outcome.

“I hope the ratification of Montenegro’s NATO Accession Protocol will continue”, Serwer said, adding that he was aware that Montenegro wants it to be done when the US Congress meets after the presidential elections there and before the new composition gathers.

“I doubt it is possible, but if it is, I would like it to happen”, he said.

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