Compared to the July survey, DPS ratings increased from 42.7 to 45.1. percent. Also, “benefits” of the protests were felt by the organizers themselves.
In four months‘ time, DPS ratings went from 5.8 to 8.7 percent. Slight progress was achieved by the Socialist People’s Party (SPP) as well, which jumped from 8.5 to 9.1 percent, for their indirect involvement in the protests.
“Radicalization of the political scene strengthened both poles; on one side the DPS, and on the other, DF and part of SNP. Since this is a situational factor, it was expected to have such results after the recent events“, said Director of CEDEM, Nenad Koprivica, adding that those political subjects which remained reticent on the protest, got worse ratings.
“Civic Movement URA rating fell from 5.5 to 4.2 percent, while Democrats went from 9.2 down to 6.7 percent, and DEMOS declined from 14.4 to 10.2 percent”, said Koprivica.
Protests considered unsuccessful
CEDEM survey also showed that most respondents have a negative opinion about DF protests, and that they consider them unsuccessful.
“47 percent of respondents have a negative attitude towards the protests, 27.6 positive, while 25.4 say they don’t know or are indecisive on the matter. More than half of respondents, 53.5 percent, believe that protests were unsuccessful, 15 percent says they were successful, and 29.5 percent did not state their opinion“, said Koprivica.
Growing support for NATO membership
If referendum on Montenegro’s membership in NATO were to be organized tomorrow, 36.5 percent of citizens would vote in favor, 36.2 would vote against it and 27.3 percent of the population would not vote at all. Although the percentage of supporters and opponents of the Alliance is almost equal, Koprivica emphasized this is the first time since CEDEM started researching the topic that survey shows growing support for membership. He believes the trend was significantly influenced by the latest political developments, but also by active NATO campaign.
“Since December 2011, when we first conducted research into this subject, we have more supporters for NATO in relation to its opponents”, explained Koprivica adding that 51 percent of people believe Montenegro will become NATO member, 15 percent thinks it will not, while 34 percent cannot tell what will happen.
Most respondents believe Montenegro will receive an invitation to join the Alliance by the end of the year.
“41.4 percent of respondents believe Montenegro will get the invitation in December, 20.5 percent think it will not, while 38.1 percent voiced no assessment”, said Koprivica.
Respondents believe membership in the Alliance would mostly contribute to developing relations with the United States and the European Union, ensure Montenegro’s border security, but also bring peace and stability for the region.
A stable trend of support for European integration remained, proved by 63.7 percent of citizens who believe Montenegro should join the EU. At the same time, 19.7 percent of citizens remain against membership, and 16.6 percent report having no particular opinion.
“This is one of the few issues on which there is consensus, but since there has been progress in integration, it is not surprising to have such stable and high percentage of support for EU integration”, explained Koprivica.
Falling trust in institutions
Compared to the July survey, all institutions registered a decline of confidence. However, citizens continue the upward trend of trust in healthcare, education system and the Army of Montenegro.
The biggest decline in confidence was recorded for non-governmental organizations, political parties, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the President of Montenegro, the Parliament…
Vujanovic is most trusted, Bečić leads the oppositionists
Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic still enjoys the highest trust of citizens (average score 3.15). He is followed by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic (2.92), and the positive trend was recorded for leader of the Democratic Montenegro party, Aleksa Bečić (2.56).
The survey was conducted from October 30th to November 7th, and concluded with participation of a total of 1.033 respondents.
“The sample is representative for all adult citizens of Montenegro, and was implemented in 16 municipalities: Bijelo Polje, Berane, Pljevlja, Podgorica, Niksic, Cetinje, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, Tivat, Kotor, Rožaje, Plav, Zabljak, Kolasin”, said Koprivica.
