In an interview for Antena M, the President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, says that no foreigner has ever tried to talk to him about his withdrawal from politics, believes that the proposed budget can bring the Montenegrin economy to its knees and that the adoption should be postponed until the government’s destiny is resolved, reveals that over 100 BIA operatives were in Montenegro ahead of Joanikije Micovic’s inauguration, confirms that Serbia gained some support for ‘Open Balkans’ through strong lobbying in Washington and that some addresses in Brussels were impatient to see the slowdown in reforms to be able to close the Directorate for Montenegro.
In his assessments, President Djukanovic reflects on the credibility of Krivokapic’s government, sending a clear message that the government should be changed in early 2022.
Asked to say where he sees the DPS in that story, the President responds that his party was and still is the pillar of stability of Montenegro.
Djukanovic on his withdrawal from politics: No one from the international political stage even tried to talk to me about that
On the statement of Ilir Harasani of the Civic Movement URA that talks over the formation of the minority government, which the DPS is to back, have been underway, but that the condition is Mr Djukanovic to withdraw from politics, the President says that no one, either less or more important, or most important from the international political stage, hasn’t even tried to talk to him about it or mention it.
Suggesting what the new executive power in Montenegro might look like, Djukanovic points out that the concept of a minority government is welcome in the DPS, and that this party is ready to back it.
Why was the initiative to change the Government withdrawn on December 13?
Recalling that the opposition and he personally announced the fall of the Government, and that it had an extremely bad public response, Djukanovic said that the move was correct, while its postponement to a new date in January was less important, explaining the reasons behind it.
“So, a number of partners we’re negotiating with, and we’re not doing it secretly, we’re just talking and exchanging opinions on the effects and future achievements of the current government and we come to a conclusion summarized in my assessment – this Government is doing damage to the national interests of Montenegro, so we come to the conclusion that it should be changed, we start this operation and then one of these partners comes up with the idea that they need a little more time to communicate it all among their own supporters,” Djukanovic explains.
Atmosphere in parliament not good for budget adoption, temporary financing as the only solution
Commenting on the budget law, which is to be discussed in the parliament today, he underlined that the proposal for the budget was unrealistic and unsustainable.
‘Europe Now’ and proposal for the budget someone else’s desire for Montenegro to collapse
He sees the proposal for the budget, as well as the ‘Europe Now’ program, as a promotion of the future Christian Democratic Party. However, it’s most likely the attempt to bring Montenegro to its knees.
BIA and over 100 of its people stayed in Montenegro during Cetinje events
Commenting on the events in Cetinje on 4-5 September, the President says: “So, everything we could hear and read about the events in Cetinje on September 4 and 5 really seems alarming, and I must tell you that it coincides with the information I had before. Already ahead of 4 September, the information went viral that a high-ranking BIA official had been in Montenegro! And that he wasn’t alone, but with a serious army of his operatives exceeding 100 people.”
On threats with certain “surprises” from Washington
The President of Montenegro has commented several times on repeated statements of Dritan Abazovic about the alleged “surprises” from Washington, and recently the “black lists”, noting that they’re important for the development of Montenegro’s political situation.
When asked who’s behind such initiatives, Djukanovic says it’s quite logical to assume that the one who waves with that expectation knows best about what was done in that area…
Snap election of the DPS leader next year
According to President Djukanovic, reforms in the DPS started to happen after 30 August and are pending. He recalls that a snap presidential election was first mentioned at the party’s extraordinary congress, and will take place no later than two years from the date of holding a congress.
DPS assesses positively the Memorandum on cooperation between the ruling and ethnic minority parties
On the Memorandum signed last week, the President says it’s a good move, adding that they had to include other ethnic minority parties – HGI and DUA – as well as SDP and SD.
