The session of the Council for Defense and Security of Montenegro, which aimed to address the situation regarding the Chief of General Staff of the Army of Montenegro, Zoran Lazarević, was suspended on October 11 after more than four hours of discussions.

“The session is currently paused and will resume according to the agenda of the Council members,” stated Jacob Milatović, the President of Montenegro.

Milatović leads the three-member Council that includes Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and President of the Assembly Andrija Mandić.

The request for the dismissal of the Chief of General Staff comes from Defense Minister Dragan Krapović. This marks the second attempt by Krapović to remove Lazarević; the first occurred in August of this year, when the Minister expressed the need for “a rejuvenation of military personnel.”

Krapović has garnered support from Spajić and Mandić, while Milatović opposed the request, arguing that the reasons for the dismissal were inadequately articulated.

This has sparked controversy and accusations between Milatović and Krapović about who wants to assume control over the competencies.

The second session concerning Lazarević also prompted new allegations against him brought forth by Krapović.

Krapović explained his decision to prohibit Lazarević from participating in all international activities, including meetings at NATO and the EU Military Committee, citing an alleged “serious breach of authority by the current Chief of General Staff.”

Additionally, Krapović issued a directive prohibiting the General Staff and personnel in the Defense sector from communicating with the offices of the Prime Minister, the President, and the Head of the Assembly, as well as with the cabinets of ministers.

He emphasized that any disregard for this command would result in disciplinary action.

Furthermore, on October 10, Minister Krapović filed a complaint with the Supreme State Prosecutor against Lazarević, asserting that the General acted “illegally.”

Krapović’s Party Against General Lazarević

The conflict has also engaged the Democratic Montenegro party, with Krapović as one of its figures.

The Democrats fully support Krapović and the Council members, stating their aim is to cleanse the defense system of officials from previous administrations and their generals.

Lazarević was appointed Chief of General Staff in June 2022 during a session of the Defense Council chaired by the then-President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanović, who was dismissed a year later after losing the presidential election.

The opposition Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), which ruled for three decades, is now criticizing the current Democrats for their push against Lazarević, branding it as revenge.

“Lazarević has proven to be a true patriot, serving only the interests of Montenegro. Krapović will be remembered for bringing shame to the history of an NATO member state,” stated a DPS announcement.

General Lazarević Responds

Lazarević dismissed the political label of “Djukanović’s General” when responding to a series of accusations from Minister Krapović on October 10 regarding the state of the defense system.

“We are the officers of the army of this state. It’s high time to put an end to such narratives,” Lazarević asserted.

Lazarević called Krapović’s order to exclude him from all international activities, including EU and NATO military committee meetings, an attack on his honor and dignity as an officer.

“For the first time in the history of these NATO and EU bodies, the Montenegrin seat will remain vacant. This is a precedent and a disgrace for Montenegro,” Lazarević remarked, confirming he informed the members of the Defense and Security Council.

Montenegro became a NATO member in 2017, during the tenure of the Democratic Party of Socialists.

Minister Krapović is affiliated with the Democrats, who assumed power alongside the Democratic Front following the elections of 2020.