In an interview with Voice of America, the Minister of Human and Minority Rights in the Government of Montenegro, Fatmir Đeka, expressed that the presence of ministers from pro-Serbian and pro-Russian parties has adversely affected the previously positive atmosphere between neighboring countries.

However, Đeka believes that while their policies may be a “weak point,” they will not hinder Montenegro’s European aspirations or the recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

Speaking to the Albanian service of Voice of America, Đeka noted that recent political developments in Serbia, marked by ongoing protests against the government, have resulted in a reduced influence of these political factions in Montenegro.

He also criticized Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić’s shift towards the opposition and commented on expectations for the new administration in Washington.

Đeka attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., alongside ministers responsible for foreign affairs, transport, spatial planning, urbanism, state property, and members of the Parliament of Montenegro.

Voice of America: The political crisis in Montenegro is intensifying. The opposition is boycotting the parliament, accusing the ruling majority of undermining state institutions through unconstitutional actions. What is your take on this situation?

Minister: This can be categorized as a crisis, but I wouldn’t label it a governmental crisis. The government maintains a significant majority in parliament, bolstered by the inclusion of Bosniaks. We have witnessed protests after the Cetinje events. Recently, parliament has been institutionally obstructed after the Constitutional Committee voted to retire a Constitutional Court judge. The opposition has initiated measures to impede parliamentary operations. We, as minority communities—Albanians, Bosniaks, Croats—are coordinating a unified strategy and monitoring this crisis closely, aiming for a common position moving forward… It is crucial that we do not stray from our Euro-Atlantic path.

Voice of America: Can we explore the political crisis further? Do you believe that the actions taken by Speaker Andrija Mandić, who imposed suspension measures on most opposing MPs who delayed parliamentary sittings over the past month, were justifiable and necessary? What has the opposition achieved through this boycott?

Minister: It’s customary for opposition parties to react when faced with decisions they believe violate the Constitution, such as the actions taken by the Constitutional Committee. Several discussions mediated by international representatives have occurred between the majority and the opposition. A decision was made to resume institutional functions in Budva after local elections, a move the opposition sought… Currently, the Venice Commission’s opinion is being sought to provide legal guidance to the Constitutional Committee in parliament. This suspension measure by the Speaker of the Parliament is unprecedented. While I won’t delve into the regulatory validity of this action, it aimed to facilitate the budget approval. It is concerning that this is the first instance of such a suspension against MPs, lasting 15 days, I believe.

Voice of America: What’s your stance on this suspension as a minister?

Minister: My assertion that it’s unprecedented signifies that I view it unfavorably. This decision has never been made before.

Voice of America: I also wish to inquire about the opposition’s proposed agreement to resolve the crisis. How do you evaluate that agreement aimed at fostering consensus on critical issues potentially divisive for public opinion in Montenegro?

Minister: I generally support efforts to foster dialogue and a spirit of compromise. Some ministers within the government occasionally diverge from the official stance regarding regional policy and matters surrounding Kosovo. You may recall that we passed an unnecessary resolution concerning Croatia, leading to several officials being listed as persona non grata. After the reconstruction, Democratic Front ministers joined the government. Although they don’t dominate decision-making—90 percent consist of pro-European and pro-Euro-Atlantic factions—it remains vital to closely monitor these political entities within the government that do not align with the majority views of the Montenegrin populace. Research indicates that 80 percent of the population supports EU membership, NATO integration, and maintaining amicable relations with our neighbors. Unfortunately, the policies of these factions have occasionally tarnished our once-prominent relations with neighboring countries. I believe the major political forces support the integration initiatives we, as a national minority, advocate for towards the EU and Euro-Atlantic structures.

Voice of America: Have these ideological and practical differences in foreign policy impeded the advancement of the European agenda to date?

Minister: Not at all. The government operates on a cohesive agenda, primarily composed of entities that share similar objectives. We have made notable progress, receiving the IBAR as part of the requirements for potential EU membership. Our remaining tasks include concluding various conditions and chapters, alongside electing judges for the Constitutional Court. The new government has successfully appointed the judicial council and the Supreme State Prosecutor, facilitating further steps including the approval of the IBAR.

We have successfully closed three chapters, although Croatia has halted the closing of one due to parliamentary developments… The government is diligently pursuing its responsibilities, requiring coordination with parliament. Looking ahead, while I hope for minimal disruptions, factions opposing Kosovo’s independence due to their ideological stance could pose challenges on our journey. However, since the opposition is also pro-European, Montenegro’s progress remains inevitable, even though vigilance against setbacks is essential.

Voice of America: Is there a legitimate risk of revoking the recognition of Kosovo?

Minister: No, absolutely not.

Voice of America: What would be your response if such a scenario emerged?

Minister: We would not participate in that government if such a measure were enacted. Our participation would have been impossible in that context.

Voice of America: The influence of Russia and Serbia over Montenegro is frequently highlighted by regional experts and critics of your government. How significant is this influence? What threats does it pose?

Minister: Russian influence in Montenegro is primarily indirect, operating through Serbia—a long-standing issue not exclusive to this administration. For over a decade, Russia has sought to exert its influence on Montenegro via Serbia. Given the current political turmoil in Serbia, I anticipate that regional movements supported by neighboring countries, including Croatia and the EU, will emerge. The protests in Serbia, including notable support from public figures like Madonna, signal potential shifts in dynamics. Consequently, certain factions within Montenegro, primarily those connected to Serbia like the Democratic Front, may experience a decline in power and relevance.

With the protests ongoing in Serbia, it has become evident that these entities in Montenegro are currently less influential, underscoring the necessity for continuous vigilance. While we must be cautious of Russia’s indirect influence in Montenegro, it is crucial to recognize that the prevailing Montenegrin population largely rejects the notion that Montenegro should be anything less than an independent state, a NATO member, or that recognition of Kosovo was a mistake. Nevertheless, recent events involving Serbian-supportive forces have slightly soured our relations with neighboring countries—not to the extent of diplomatic isolation, but certainly altering our previous standing as a regional exemplar.

Voice of America: Do you support the students’ calls for accountability from the security sector following the events in Cetinje? Should the government be held accountable for those events?

Minister: As a government member, my remarks are constrained compared to those of an ordinary citizen. Naturally, students have the right to protest and demand accountability—a fundamental civic right. The tragic events affected us all deeply. In a smaller nation like Montenegro, such occurrences resonate profoundly, leading to widespread protests and changes in the police structure, including the dismissal of several officials. However, as a government representative, I must mind my words. The right to protest and require accountability is understandable in a democratic nation aspiring for EU membership. How far those protests will reach and how they will evolve remains to be seen.

Voice of America: When do you anticipate the evaluation of government ministers’ performances regarding the Cetinje events to conclude?

Minister: I lack both a personal opinion and precise information on this matter. The Prime Minister’s actions will dictate the outcome. My singular concern is to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents in the future.

Voice of America: The new administration in Washington has become a topic of interest. You participated in the National Prayer Breakfast where President Trump spoke. What are your expectations regarding the new US administration’s involvement in the region?

Minister: We have a robust diaspora in the US, particularly in New York. The political affiliation of the president—Republican or Democratic—has not significantly impacted our situation. I foresee minimal differences in US policies toward the Balkans. The emphasis will likely remain on advancing the EU integration process, reconciliation, and establishing various agreements, as President Trump mentioned in his address promoting global peace. It is my hope for them to maintain that approach. Being pro-American, I find little to critique in American policies, as we often overlook who occupies the presidency.

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