Member of Parliament for the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), Milan Knežević, asserted that the opposition’s blockade spearheaded by the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) had two objectives: first, to secure the release of former police official Zoran Lazović and former chief special prosecutor Milivoj Katnić via a ruling from the Constitutional Court, which would include a vote from retired judge Dragana Đuranović.

“This would mark a significant victory for the Kavač clan in both the judiciary and the political arena. The second objective was to halt the formation of an inquiry committee tasked with investigating the murders of Pavle Bulatović, Duško Jovanović, Slavoljub Šćekić, and numerous unresolved murders during the tenure of Milo Đukanović and Duško Marković. Notably, Đukanović is expected to become the honorary president of the DPS in the near future, effectively turning him into a revered figure for the party, to whom they will show reverence and make sacrifices. When discussions arise about a reformed DPS, it’s more honest for him to pick up a membership card, bow to this figure, and continue following their deceptive paths that led Montenegro astray,” Knežević emphasized. He added that Đukanović has recently been visibly anxious, accusing them of participating in a clerical-nationalist counter-revolution alongside the Albanians, allegedly backed by American support for Russian interests.

Knežević questioned what influences had led to Đukanović’s unusual assertions. He remarked that the smoke bombs and ballpoint pens were merely theatrical displays, insisting there was no actual blockade of parliament. Furthermore, he highlighted that they currently have a greater presence in Washington than in Montenegro, all while receiving their salaries and per diems as usual.

“Return to parliament, gentlemen. Come and let’s negotiate if this is a sacred flag for you,” Knežević declared, while raising the European Union flag.

He pointed out the ongoing debate about whether the focus should be on developmental or social issues and inquired about the prospects for continuing the second section of the highway construction.

Knežević noted that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić had announced the groundbreaking for September, but voiced concerns that the excavation might not commence as anticipated, due to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Commission demanding the cancellation of the pre-qualification tender and a shift to the main tender.

“Extending procedures without a clear analysis of expectations from the Chinese, Turks, and Azerbaijanis who submitted bids for the pre-qualification tender is troubling. If this tender is cancelled, it opens the door for others who did not participate to apply. This is a significant concern for me, although I am eager for a strong partnership with the European Development Bank. Mr. Vuković, it is your responsibility to provide Spajić and Monteput’s director with clear information regarding the European Development Bank’s assessment and the Commission’s stance on the second section of the highway, which carries a cost of 530 million euros. If things unfold as I suspect, our state must explore alternatives should the European Bank and the Commission further delay Spajić’s readiness to commence work. This may involve forming a domestic consortium where ‘Bemax’ would not receive preferential treatment, or considering arrangements through the privatization or sale of Port of Bar or offering it under concession. Such proposals should come from the professional sector, the government, and all responsible parties,” he said, expressing that the cancellation of the pre-qualification tender could result in work not beginning until 2026.

Knežević also queried Vuković about the soaring prices in supermarkets, suggesting the organization of a designated Saturday for citizens to freely fill their shopping baskets, noting the immense wealth retailer chains possess. He expressed that it wouldn’t surprise him if citizens took such action.

Knežević concluded by stating that their position on the budget would hinge on Vuković’s views regarding the infrastructure needs of Zeta.