Tenth Congress of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) convened at the University Sports and Cultural Center in Podgorica.

During the Congress, former leader Milo Đukanović was honored with the title of honorary president of the DPS. The party also elected a new Main Board (GB).

The event saw attendance from various political leaders, including Damir Šehović (Social Democrats), Ivan Vujović (Social Democratic Party), Adrijan Vuksanović (Croatian Civic Initiative), Vatroslav Belan (Liberal Party), Mehmed Zenka (Democratic Union of Albanians), Fatmir Đeka (Democratic Party), Genci Nimanbegu (Forca), Sead Šahman (Bosniak Democratic Movement), and Novak Adžić (Montenegrin European Party).

Among the attendees were MP and member of the Presidency of the Bosniak Party, Jasmin Ćorović, Bosniak Youth Forum president Suada Musić, and Party of European Progress councilor in Podgorica, Jelena Knežević.

Representatives from the region included Siniša Hajdaš Dončić (Social Democratic Party of Croatia), Nenad Čanak (League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina), Aleksandar Saša Dimitrijević (Social Democratic Alliance of Macedonia), Jon Frčkovski (Center for Research and Analysis), Hajrula Çeku (Minister of Culture of Kosovo), and Alim Rama (Secretary General of Self-Determination).

Additionally, there were representatives from civil society, national councils, and associations of Montenegrins from the diaspora.

Živković: Reflecting on Government Effects since 2020

DPS President Danijel Živković remarked on the significant changes in Montenegro since the last congress:

“We transitioned from a nation marked by political stability and economic growth to one characterized by instability and destruction, facing security threats internally and externally,” Živković stated.

“We are currently contending with a ruling majority that lacks a strategic vision, prioritizing political interests over the welfare of citizens,” he added.

He noted the shift in governments, asserting that the current administration undermines both the economic foundation and societal values of modern Montenegro.

Živković emphasized that throughout the turmoil, DPS remains the leading party in the political landscape, defending the right to autonomy and the long-standing Montenegrin sovereignty against ongoing nationalist strategies.

He denounced the actions of domestic actors aiming to dismantle Montenegro’s statehood, asserting that DPS and its supporters are prepared to resist these efforts.

Moreover, Živković acknowledged DPS’s responsibility for maintaining Montenegro’s dignity and reputation, while also admitting to their own past shortcomings compared to their political rivals. He highlighted the party’s resilience, reflecting that their previous governance led to achievements that have become clearer in light of the current government’s failures.

The results from last year’s local elections suggest that the party is regaining support, with expectations of exceeding 30 percent in the upcoming Nikšić elections.

“Restoring the trust we once held is our utmost priority,” stated Živković.

Recognition for Đukanović

Živković expressed gratitude towards former leader Milo Đukanović, not only for his guiding leadership but also for facilitating the emergence of a new political generation within the party.

Šehović: DPS Under Živković Embraces Change

SD leader Damir Šehović proclaimed the historical significance of the joint achievements from 1998 to 2020.

“This congress symbolizes our collective resistance against a backdrop of destruction, where the enduring values of Montenegro are threatened,” added Šehović, linking the current political climate to the rise of nationalism.

He remarked that the discussion around economic reforms has devolved into mere rhetoric, with detrimental effects on the nation’s financial health.

Emphasizing the need for fresh ideas and perspectives, Šehović highlighted DPS’s readiness to adapt and respond to the new political landscape under Živković’s leadership.

Vuksanović: Safeguarding Achievements

Adrijan Vuksanović, President of HGI, acknowledged the importance of reflecting on past accomplishments during the party congress.

He spoke with pride about Montenegro’s achievements in independence and NATO membership while stressing the need to continue the emancipatory processes that have begun.

Zenka: Preserving Values

Democratic Union of Albanians’ president Mehmed Zenka highlighted his party’s commitment to preserving the values established within Montenegro.

Đeka: Cooperation with Room for Growth

Democratic Party president Fatmir Đeka emphasized the productive collaboration between DPS and his party, noting that improvements are still possible.

Nimanbegu: Consistency from Belgrade

Forca president Genci Nimanbegu expressed concern over societal conditions, drawing parallels to situations faced by young political entrants today.

Ćorović: Pride in Joint Successes

Jasmin Ćorović from the Bosniak Party spoke about the positive impacts of collaboration with DPS, citing shared successes across multiple municipalities.

Šahman: A New Beginning

Sead Šahman of the Bosniak Democratic Movement discussed the fresh start his party aims to create by returning national identity to its rightful place.

Adžić: Unity Against Incompetence

Novak Adžić stated the importance of solidifying partnerships to remove the government he deems incompetent and detrimental to Montenegro’s identity.

Hajdaš Dončić: Ongoing Struggle

Siniša Hajdaš Dončić articulated the historic role of Živković and DPS in maintaining civic Montenegro, acknowledging the enduring nature of their struggle.

Čanak: A Desire for Change in Serbia

Nenad Čanak lamented the absence of Serbian attendees, attributing it to a fractured political landscape in Serbia dominated by a mafia regime.

Expressing the need for change in Serbia for regional stability, he urged Montenegro and DPS to represent a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge from turmoil.

Živković: Completing the Reform Process

In an interview, DPS leader Danijel Živković announced that 588 delegates will participate in the Congress, casting electronic votes for candidate selections.

Following the election of the new General Assembly, he will propose a refreshed composition of the Presidency in subsequent sessions, ultimately concluding a four-year reform process initiated at the Ninth Congress.

A new party statute is also expected to be adopted at the Congress.

News