The Albanian Alliance is currently not reconsidering its involvement in the executive branch, stated the president of the Democratic Party (DP), Fatmir Đeka, in an interview with “Vijesti”.

In response to whether he would align with his colleagues from the Albanian Forum (AF) who have previously indicated a change, he mentioned that decisions would be made first within his own coalition, followed by discussions with representatives from other minority parties.

At present, the majority of minority parties are involved in the government, including the Bosniak Party (BS), the Albanian Forum (AF), and the Albanian Alliance (AA), whereas the Democratic Union of Albanians and the Croatian Civic Initiative remain in opposition.

The leader of the Albanian Forum and Minister of Economic Development, Nick Djelosaj, informed “Vijesti” two days ago that the leadership of their alliance would be examining its role in the government by the end of February.

He noted that the two other parties within the Albanian Forum have been in regular discussions with their presidents, Ivan Ivanaj (Democratic Alliance of Albanians) and Ferhat Dinoš (National Union of Albanians), and have scheduled a session for the presidency of the Albanian Forum at the end of February.

He added that one of the agenda items would be to assess their involvement in the government.

“As responsible individuals, we need to evaluate whether the programs we agreed upon, which are part of the formation of the 44th Government of Montenegro, are being executed,” commented Đeljošaj.

Đeka, also the Minister of Human and Minority Rights, expressed that they possess “their own viewpoint.”

“We have our stance, and they have theirs. At this moment, we are not reconsidering our participation in the Government; all decisions will first be made within our coalition, and later with the other minority parties, with whom we recently convened at the Hilton,” Đeka remarked, referring to a meeting during which minority parties declared the termination of the Constitutional Court judge (US) Dragani Đuranović unconstitutional.

Genzi Nimanbeg, the mayor of Ulcinj and leader of Force, part of the Albanian Alliance (AA) and also the DP, announced six days ago that their MP, Ilir Chapuni, would halt further actions until the issue regarding the Government’s decision on the Temporary Facilities Plan in the Coastal Zone is resolved.

“The unexpected and concealed decision made by your Government concerning the Plan for Temporary Facilities in the Coastal Zone, lacking the consent of coastal municipalities, contradicts your efforts in the Assembly for local governance over their own property and cities… In light of your actions, without any consultations, which go against our coalition agreement, I am compelled to announce that our MP will freeze all further activities until this matter is addressed,” Nimanbeg stated in a Facebook post.

The leaders of coastal municipalities recently expressed their discontent with the government’s decision to adopt the Program of Temporary Facilities in the Coastal Zone for 2024-2028, despite their recommendation to prioritize the Assembly in the management decisions for the Coastal Zone. They particularly voiced concerns over the introduced criteria allowing individuals with criminal convictions to participate in the tender processes for leasing bathing areas and temporary facilities, raising significant issues regarding the legality and transparency of the leasing procedures in the Coastal Zone.

Given that the ruling majority comprises 52 MPs, if BS (with six parliamentary representatives), AF (two), and AA (one) were to exit the executive branch, the Government would still have the support of 43 MPs, exceeding the minimum required for stability.

All minority parties opposed the authorities’ stance when, on December 20, following a meeting at the Hilton Hotel, they announced that they viewed the Constitutional Committee’s conclusion regarding Judge Đuranović’s termination as unconstitutional. In a joint statement, they expressed serious concern over the current polarization of the political climate and actions that might threaten Montenegro’s European trajectory.

Leaders from minority ruling parties sharply criticized the Speaker of Parliament Andrija Mandić in January for congratulating Republika Srpska (RS) officials on January 9, a day considered unconstitutional for that entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

In January, ministers from the BS and AF coalition left the government session that endorsed the construction of a monument to the former Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Amphilochia, in Berane. These parties expressed that their representatives acted this way in part because they believed the monument’s construction would not foster multi-religious harmony in Montenegro.

In October of the previous year, following comments from Đeljošaj that suggested a fierce opposition to amendments to the Citizenship Law proposed by the former Democratic Front (DF) – one of whose leaders is Mandić – the coalition responded that “if he continues to issue threats,” he might be “removed from the government.”

Đeljošaj retorted to Mandić, indicating that he faced “issues with fraudsters who exploit nationalism” and giving him a “last warning.”

The minority parties aimed to “restrain” the Speaker of Parliament by forming a united front to prompt Prime Minister Milojko Spajić (Europe Now Movement) to address his actions, which they believe are driving wedges within Montenegrin society and harming relations with neighboring countries.

Awaiting Ibrahimovic to Organize a New Meeting

A source from a party representing smaller ethnic groups reported that a new meeting for these political entities has yet to be scheduled.

This meeting should be initiated by BS President Ervin Ibrahimović, as the leader of the strongest minority party.

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