“On our national political agenda, again, just like in 1997 and 2006, the question of historical significance is present. We should react and respond in a way that will confirm and preserve the achievements and values that our country has made in the last twenty years but also open doors and create a platform for the changes that are needed and necessary”, Vlahović said.
Montenegrin Democratic Union, he reminded, has since its inception committed to change and reforms that will preserve and strengthen the Montenegrin democratic institutions and capacities.
“Montenegro needs changes that will come from the Montenegrin democratic and civic society parties, that will know how to confirm our Euro-Atlantic orientation and not from those who want to negate these values, and turn the wheel of history back to the dark and unhappy years after the so-called Anti-Bureaucratic revolution. That is why the message of the MDU, that Montenegro should be changed by those who respect and love it, clearly reflects what we see as a key element of the political process before which we find ourselves. It means exactly what it says and this is why it is not surprising that it is provoking anger, and even the rage of those who say they can not find themselves in this simple message. For this, we are not to blame”, said Vlahović.
He commented on the protests of DF last night and those planned for tomorrow.
“While most representatives, regardless of what is their “aggregate state” currently, decide on which way to vote in the vote of confidence to the Government, which will, as we see, decide the future of the parliamentary dialogue and influence the preparation of the next elections, one part of public will follow from the street. Call for the organization of “Great National Assembly” speaks clearly about what this is. We see that some have a fixation on the year 1918. Their nostalgia for those tragic times is just a caricature”, Vlahović said.
This, he notes, is yet another attempt being made to “audit” Montenegrin politics and undo all the good that we have achieved, including a peaceful and democratic restoration of independence.
“Mandić and his “good buddies”, as they call themselves, still dream that this decision can be modified, ie. that the Montenegrin independence should be made an empty shell. I think that the Montenegrin policies and our institutions, no matter what delays and problems they have, have matured enough that they can defend themselves against such assaults. In order to do this, a response must be swift, and from the Prosecution as well, if the information about creating some kind of a partisan army and a new “Seventh Battalion” is correct. With that there no jokes and there is no waiting. It must be nipped in the bud”, Vlahović said.
He expects the Government to gain confidence.
“It is certainly a better scenario. The voting result should not be the product of political bartering and some sort of personal arrangements. Đukanović and those who support him should be in agreement and they should clearly state and explain what they intended to do from tomorrow until the next election. It is essential for the credibility of the decision of confidence, and to the citizens of Montenegro, but also in front of those international factors that support our European and Atlantic orientation”, Vlahović said.
If that is the result of the vote, the leader of the MDU does not see any logic nor reason for Krivokapić and the remaining ministers from the SDP to remain in office.
“I am not sure that I understand personal level and motivation for the statement that they will not resign. Politically it is not serious and can be interpreted as an attempt to provoke the crisis at all costs and in every way. It was disappointing to see the decision of the President of the Parliament to not invite solely Brajović to the “parliamentary” discussions. It was the “keyword” to explain what goes on at these meetings and what the newly formed “parliamentary” parties are aiming for. This decision by Krivokapić reminded us of the large difference between an ordinary politician and statesman. Years in the cabinet are not really as important as are other necessary features”, Vlahović said.
He said that the changes in our country are necessary and inevitable.
“The biggest responsibility is on those who have the most power. I do not want to “reinvent the wheel”, but I also do not wish to repeat the mantra about the need for fundamental changes in almost all spheres of our economy, education, culture… It is clear that there is no progress without determined fight against pervasive corruption, which has seriously eroded and jeopardized some values and achievements which, in societies that are not duplicated like ours, are never called into question”, Vlahović said.
That is why, he adds, the obligation of those who achieve a parliamentary majority for the next few days is especially great.
“NATO agenda must not be a victim of this arrangement, but the basis, framework and precondition for change and democratic transformation of our Montenegro. MDU would support such decisions because we do not recognize ourselves among those who are still opposition to this country, as they were called long ago by one former representative. MDU will do it because it is quite clear that our country needs the understanding and cooperation of the Montenegrin democratic and civic forces that can usher the country into NATO and that will change Montenegrin politics, economics and culture for the benefit of all our citizens”, the leader of this party said.
