The Defense and Security Council, led by head of state Jakov Milatović, is expected to convene in late May or early June, just prior to the expiration of the term for the head of the Army of Montenegro (VCG), Zoran Lazarević, as reported informally by “Vijesti.”

When questioned about the session’s schedule and discussions with other supreme command leaders, Milatović’s public relations office did not provide a direct response. Leaders include Andrija Mandić from New Serbian Democracy and Milojko Spajić from the Europe Now Movement. It was noted that the head of state typically convenes sessions either on his initiative or upon a Council member’s proposal when deemed necessary; however, there are no established rules requiring sessions to be held “within a specific timeframe.”

“The public will be promptly informed about the next Council session,” stated Milatović’s office, reminding that the last gathering took place on February 21, where top judicial and security institution representatives assessed the nation’s security conditions alongside members of the Supreme Command.

Brigadier General Lazarević’s term concludes on June 8. Reports suggest that the Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović (Democrats) will maintain his previous proposal from last year for Colonel Miodrag Vuksanović to be appointed as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro. Krapović has reportedly also submitted a new proposal for Lazarević’s dismissal.

The conflict between Krapović and Lazarević arose in late August of last year after the minister requested the Council to remove Lazarević, asserting that a generational shift and renewal of the officer management were necessary. The Supreme Command subsequently rejected the request due to a lack of consensus. Milatović opposed Krapović’s proposal, insisting he would support the dismissal only upon being informed of Lazarević’s failures. Both Mandić and Spajić, however, backed Krapović’s call.

Afterward, Krapović reversed the decision that extended Lazarević’s service until June 2023, citing Lazarević’s eligibility for retirement based on over 40 years of service and reaching the age of 55. Nevertheless, this decision was annulled by the Government Appeals Commission.

Alongside the initial request for Lazarević’s dismissal, Krapović proposed Vuksanović’s appointment; however, the Supreme Command did not address this proposal.

Vuksanović currently serves as Montenegro’s National Representative at NATO Headquarters in Mons, with experience from the Military Academy in Belgrade, the Command and Staff College in the U.S. in 2011, and the National Defense College in the U.S. in 2016. He has previously held positions including Commander of the Armed Forces Training Center in Danilovgrad and Chief of Intelligence and Reconnaissance (J-2) within the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro. The Chief commands the General Staff and military units, is professionally accountable to the Minister.

In response to an inquiry regarding temporary leadership if Lazarević’s service were to end abruptly, the Ministry of Defense indicated that the Law on the Armed Forces of Montenegro provides mechanisms for such situations, ensuring seamless military operation and maintaining the chain of command.

According to the Law on the Armed Forces of Montenegro (Article 103), when a professional military member is unable to fulfill their duties for over a month, an acting officer (acting) is appointed. This can apply to both military and non-commissioned officer formation positions, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro if the position becomes vacant. The acting position may last up to 18 months.

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