“In all election cycles since 2020, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) has been fighting the inappropriate interference of church dignitaries and the manipulation of citizens’ religious feelings, a huge amount of money, a media-propaganda machinery that includes several television stations with a national frequency, several portals and hundreds of profiles and groups on social networks that spread misinformation. We are also fighting the influence of state-controlled organized crime, used when necessary, along with the thousands of voters who come to Montenegro during the elections, to influence their outcome. In addition, with all that, as you saw last year – we achieved 30% support in Podgorica and Kotor, 35% in Andrijevica and in other municipalities, we repeated the result from the parliamentary elections. That speaks volumes about the DPS’s strength. Believing in that strength, I can already predict – in the elections in Niksic we will achieve a result above 30%”, says DPS leader Danijel Zivkovic in an interview for Pobjeda.
He adds that the citizens are the only relevant measure of the DPS reforms, and not political entities or analysts whose priority in decades of activity is to weaken the party, which is now so ardently wishing for reforms.
The DPS aims to protect state interests, focusing on two key goals. First, they seek to prevent the government from undermining the Constitution and the rule of law, particularly by taking control of the Constitutional Court and disrupting legal order, Zivkovic says. Second, despite ongoing crises, they strive to maintain Montenegro’s political stability, ensuring the country can seize the opportunity to become the next EU member by 2030, he stresses. According to Zivkovic, their actions will focus on stopping the government’s overreach and keeping Montenegro on its European path.
Zivkovic believes that turbulent times lie ahead for global relations, including Montenegro’s interaction with the West, especially considering the policies of Donald Trump. He points out that the world is in a period of redefined geopolitics, where traditional Euro-Atlantic partnerships are being questioned. The aftermath of these changes remains uncertain, and the global stage faces increased instability. In this unpredictable environment, Zivkovic stresses the importance of Montenegro having a stable and experienced government, which, in his view, would require the return of the Democratic Party of Socialists to power to navigate the challenges ahead.
Zivkovic argues that the idea of the “Serbian World,” a nationalist project, predates President Vucic and will likely persist without him. He traces it back to the mid-19th century, with Ilija Garasanin’s Nacertani plan, suggesting that the “Serbian World” is just a modern iteration of the same idea, which has historically included the notion of Montenegro’s disappearance. Rather than focusing on Serbia’s internal politics or who is currently leading the charge, Zivkovic emphasizes the importance of strengthening Montenegro’s internal mechanisms and institutions to resist such external influences. He believes that political stability, especially through the strength of the European bloc in Montenegro, is key, and the focus should be on increasing the party’s influence to ensure Montenegro can effectively manage challenges like this.
Zivkovic believes Montenegro needs leaders who are state-responsible, with a sustainable vision for development and a strategic approach to achieving national goals. He expresses disappointment that the current leadership lacks this quality. He criticizes the current parliamentary majority, arguing that their priorities are misguided. For the former DF leader, the focus is on advancing Serbia’s interests in Montenegro, often at the expense of Montenegro’s institutions. The Europe Now Movement, according to Zivkovic, is driven by populism that seeks to maintain power, even if it risks economic and financial stability. Meanwhile, the Democrats are seen as prioritizing power for their own sake, with little regard for the country’s long-term well-being. Zivkovic concludes that none of these parties exhibits true statesmanship, and their actions, driven by a fear of losing power, are leading Montenegro into stagnation and regression.
