Democratic Front (DF) is the only opposition party that prime minister Dusko Markovic has not invited to join his government.
“The offer does not apply to DF because it is the group that leads anti-state policy. It aims to stop Montenegro on its European and Euro-Atlantic path. This group’s main goal is to come to power in a revolutionary way, not respecting the rules of democracy, not recognising the institutions,” the PM said appearing on Prva TV’s socio-political interview show Ziva Istina.
On the other hand, Markovic is ready to discuss joining the government with Demos, SDP, SNP and the Democrats.
“It is not good for the country if the opposition is always outside Parliament. We want to change that attitude… And, when I say that they can join the government, I don’t mean they can enter it tomorrow. A dialogue on how they see the government should be opened in Parliament. If we agreed on that, we will arrange the participation in the government and possible changes in priorities. Our offer reflects responsibility towards the state. I do not understand the pro-European and pro-Atlantic opposition parties that do not perceive the offer in a real positive way, but even mock it instead,” said Markovic.
Possible changes the PM is ready for do not apply to national priorities such as NATO membership.
“There cannot be negotiations on national priorities,” he said.
DF finances mothers’ protest in Podgorica
Commenting on the request of mothers of three or more children who have been protesting in front of the Parliament building because their allowances have been reduced, Markovic said that the government would do everything to help them, but that the allowances cannot be returned to the original level.
The mothers have protested for six days because their allowances were reduced from €336 and €192 to €264 and 144 respectively.
“This law has not been adopted in order to protect the position of mothers. That was a classic trade and violence coming from majority which was formed contrary to citizens’ electoral will,” Markovic said.
The PM pointed out that the mothers were “politically misused”.
“We know that DF organises and pays for transport from other municipalities. We know that their staying in Podgorica is financed from the party budget. It is the choice of parties and their choice, and that’s OK. We will not make decisions under anyone’s pressure, especially under the pressure of those political groups that led them into this situation,” he said.
Katnic is good when arresting DPS, but the worst when arresting DF
He added that big money is behind the organised pro-Russian political and media campaign regarding the coup attempt case.
“The special prosecutor is good only when arresting DPS officers, but when arresting their competitors, then he is the worst in the country. We do not want to fall into that trap… The state is not weak,” he said.
Markovic said there was no confirmation that Russian investigators would be able to help investigate terrorist attempt on 16 October, but added it would be logical for Russia to cooperate.
He noted that no one said the coup had been organised by the Russian government but that “Russian circles” were associated with the event.
No security risks while voting on NATO
The PM said he was aware there might be security risks on the day of ratifying Montenegro-NATO accession protocol in Parliament. As he said it would be an opportunity for the anti-NATO and destructive forces to demonstrate their mood in a non democratic way.
“Certainly we will not allow this type of behaviour. The dialogue within the country on this issue has lasted for five years now. It is not a hidden plan, but a permanent commitment and we will not give anyone a chance to jeopardize the finalization process,” Markovic was clear.
He added Montenegro didn’t have to wait for the end of the ratification process. It could make a decision in Parliament on joining NATO before all 28 member countries, including USA, ratify its NATO accession protocol.
