The public statement made by the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, wherein he introduced candidates for the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro (AVCG) to an international official, raises institutional and legal concerns, suggesting political interference in the distinct responsibilities of the Minister of Defense.

Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović (Democrats) responded to the President’s remarks in an interview with “Vijesti,” expressing his preference for Darko Vuković, a battleship captain, to lead the Armed Forces of Montenegro.

“I believe this man has an excellent reputation among the soldiers, is highly educated within the military, previously led the Montenegrin Navy, and due to his commitment to proper conduct, was unfortunately removed by the prior regime. He graduated from prestigious military institutions, including one in the U.S., speaks multiple foreign languages, and this would signal to the Armed Forces of Montenegro that we are heading in the right direction,” Milatović stated during a press conference in Podgorica alongside the President of the European Council, Antonio Kosta.

Krapović expressed respect for the presidential institution but felt compelled to highlight actions that, in his view, do not support a “responsible approach to the Constitution and the Law or the Armed Forces of Montenegro.” He emphasized that, per the Law on the Armed Forces, only the Minister of Defense has the exclusive authority to propose a candidate for the army’s top position to the Defense and Security Council.

He recalled that last year, he submitted “a single proposal” to the Supreme Command in line with legal protocols and out of respect for the professional dignity of the proposed officer, repeatedly declining to disclose the candidate’s identity when asked by the media.

“In this context, making the name of Captain Vuković public, especially when he has already met legal retirement conditions and we have addressed it responsibly, is unhelpful; it politicizes the matter and exposes officers to personal and political bargaining. Captain Vuković, unlike others, has accepted this matter with dignity as an officer,” Krapović remarked.

The Minister stressed that it is inappropriate to highlight that someone has been dismissed or persecuted while simultaneously allowing those responsible for such actions to remain in the system, citing the case of the current Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Zoran Lazarević, as a pertinent example. Milatović did not agree to dismiss Lazarević, thus allowing him to remain in a position associated with political persecution.

“Now, more than ever, we require institutional restraint, mutual respect, and a firm commitment to legality. Thus, I urge all parties involved not to disclose officers’ names publicly, to safeguard their honor, and respect customary procedures. The Armed Forces of Montenegro represent sovereignty and are a state symbol. As Minister of Defense, I assure the public and the citizens of Montenegro that no one not proposed to the Council per the law will assume the role of Chief of the General Staff, as this is not formally or essentially feasible,” Krapović confirmed.

According to “Vijesti,” Lazarević is slated to conclude his service on June 8th, and, based on unconfirmed reports, Krapović will not amend last year’s proposal, which nominates Colonel Miodrag Vuksanović as the new Chief of the General Staff. Krapović has reportedly submitted an updated request for Lazarević’s dismissal since then.

The conflict escalated when the minister sought to remove Lazarević from his post last August, citing the need for generational change within the officer corps. However, the Supreme Command rejected this, lacking a consensus among its members. The three-member Council must decide unanimously; Milatović opposed Krapović’s request, demanding clarity regarding Lazarević’s alleged shortcomings. The other two members, the heads of Parliament and Government Andrija Mandic (New Serbian Democracy) and Milojko Spajic (Europe Now Movement), backed Krapović’s proposal.

Subsequent to this, Krapović nullified the decision extending Lazarević’s service until June 2023, asserting that the Chief of the General Staff met the criteria for retirement—over 40 years of service and aged 55. Nonetheless, the Government Appeals Commission overturned Krapović’s decision.

Alongside his initial request for Lazarević’s removal, Krapović also proposed Vuksanović for appointment, but this issue was not addressed by the Supreme Command.

Currently, Vuksanović serves as Montenegro’s National Representative at NATO Headquarters in Mons, within the Allied Command Operations (ACO). He is a graduate of the Military Academy in Belgrade, the Command and Staff College in the U.S. (2011), and the National Defense College in the U.S. (2016). He has previously held positions including Commander of the Armed Forces Training Center in Danilovgrad and Chief of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Department (J-2) at the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro. The Chief oversees the General Staff and army units, is accountable to the Minister, and is a professional officer.

Milatović’s Associates “Identified” Vuković

Milatović indicated he would communicate with Mandić and Spajić regarding his stance on the leadership of the Armed Forces of Montenegro. He expressed hope that a decision would align with military interests.

“I reiterate, establishing clear criteria is imperative. It is crucial to consider regular promotions in the army, as those who were promoted through standard channels likely performed their duties correctly, contrasted with those who might have bypassed essential steps through extraordinary promotions,” the President noted.

According to unverified reports from “Vijesti,” Milatović became aware of Darko Vuković’s name through his aides when he requested recommendations for suitable candidates to lead the Armed Forces of Montenegro, based on clearly defined criteria (expertise, experience, etc.).

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