DPS leader Danijel Zivkovic said the party achieved major successes during its 30 years in power and has remained Montenegro’s strongest political force despite sustained pressure since moving into opposition in 2020. Commenting on Nikola Janovic’s departure, he said such exits are not new, have not harmed DPS’s electoral support, and that he and Janovic parted on good terms. He also rejected former MP Drita Lola’s claims about internal pressures, saying she should clarify which “interest groups” she referred to and stressing that DPS functions democratically.
Zivkovic argued that the party’s rating has risen in the past two years, even under attacks from institutions and political rivals. He said DPS’s strength does not depend on individuals and that even his own exit would not damage it. He added he has not been contacted by prosecutors regarding the Mijajlovic case but would cooperate if summoned, condemned alleged police-linked hate graffiti in Rozaje, and declined to prejudge investigations related to electoral interference in Savnik.
Defending Milo Djukanovic over accusations of undeclared assets, Zivkovic said the essential question is whether Djukanovic legally earned enough to justify his lifestyle, which he believes he did. On the Botun wastewater plant dispute, he blamed the government’s poor communication for escalating tensions. He also expressed doubts that Constitutional Court judges will be elected soon or that Montenegro will close all EU chapters by 2026, and did not rule out possible political interference from Serbia.
