Montenegrin Opposition Halts Assembly Session and Budget Approval
The Montenegrin opposition, led by the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), obstructed the Assembly session on January 21, which was set to discuss and adopt the budget for 2025.
What powers does Mandic have?
The President of the Assembly, who breaches the Order, may issue a warning, confiscate speaking privileges, or remove a member from the session.
The member who is subject to removal must leave the session immediately. Should they refuse, the President will instruct the appropriate service to escort them from the session.
This disciplinary measure is effective for 15 days from the date of enforcement.
A deputy removed from the session retains the right to participate in Assembly voting.
After the session was initiated by Andrija Mandic, the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, opposition deputies rose from their seats and positioned themselves before his table.
“You see the conditions under which we operate, and we need to address significant issues. The authority of parliament is in jeopardy,” Mandic stated.
Mandic disclosed that he would formally submit criminal measures in writing. However, he did not indicate when the session would reconvene.
Since December 20, the opposition has been obstructing parliamentary sessions, demanding the annulment of the Constitutional Court decision regarding Judge Dragana Đuranović made in December of the previous year, which they deem illegal.
DPS President Danijel Zivkovic remarked that the blockade serves a protective purpose:
“The government should be accountable for the repercussions we have warned about concerning constitutional violations. The government bears this burden and is responsible.”
Members of Prime Minister Milojko Spajic’s party argued that the opposition is acting against the interests of both citizens and the state.
“This action by the opposition poses a direct threat to public finances, stability, and Montenegro’s reputation with international investors and partners,” stated Europe USA (PES).
European Union Offers Assistance
The workings of the parliament were also a topic during the official visit of Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement to Montenegro, who extended the European Commission’s help to normalize parliamentary operations.
The European Union delegation suggested involving the Venice Commission, an advisory body of the Council of Europe, to address the constitutional and parliamentary crisis.
While the DPS did not publicly reject these proposals, Prime Minister Spajić accused them of acting in an anti-European manner.
“The opposition is not aligned with the European Alliance, but with the Soviet Union,” remarked Spajic, referencing the community of countries formed by Russia that dissolved in the early 1990s.
On January 21, Zivkovic stated that the DPS “has no issue consulting with the authority of the Venice Commission.”
Opposition member Nikola Zirojevic emphasized there would be no compromise regarding constitutional violations:
“I don’t know how much clearer we can be; we write, we illustrate, as the parliamentary majority—regarding the Constitution of Montenegro, we do not negotiate!”
Demands of the Opposition
In addition to the annulment request concerning Judge Đuranović, the opposition is seeking a pact with the government to ensure that no changes are made to the Constitution regarding identity issues or the Law on Montenegrin citizenship.
The parties from the former ruling Democratic Front, led by Andrija Mandić, are advocating for amendments relating to the official language and the facilitation of obtaining Montenegrin citizenship.
They are calling for the recognition of Serbian as official language, equating it with Montenegrin, while also liberalizing the citizenship acquisition process to allow individuals from neighboring countries access to Montenegrin citizenship.
Alongside the opposition, Albanian parties within the Government also expressed their dissent.
Prime Minister Spajic stated that any changes would require the consensus of all parties involved.
Consequences of Failing to Adopt the Budget
The rejection of the budget for 2025 will halt borrowing, and servicing obligations will become unmanageable, warned Minister of Finance Novica Vukovic during a Finance Committee session on January 20.
He noted that salaries and pensions would be paid using current revenue until debts become due.
In the first quarter of the year, 650 million euros worth of debts are due, Vukovic explained:
“Credit agreements stipulate that failing to make a single payment can trigger the entire debt to become due. If we miss one payment on 650 million euros, we must pay the whole amount.”
This year, 820 million euros are needed, with the majority—500 million—due in April.
Given that this represents the highest level of indebtedness since the DPS was in power, Spajic’s Europe Now movement claims that the responsibility for repaying debts lies with those who borrowed on behalf of the state.
The failure to pass the budget also threatens the implementation of growth plans for the Western Balkans, which could provide Montenegro with approximately 400 million euros, as stated by the Ministry of Finance.