The leader of the Civic Movement URA and former Prime Minister Dritan Abazović commented on the acquittal in the “Apartments” affair, stating that the Montenegrin judiciary has conveyed a very negative message by clearing former regime officials of accountability for the unlawful distribution of apartments and housing loans.

“All I can do is congratulate the judiciary. They have communicated to both citizens and officials: ‘Act as you wish, undermine institutions, and take as much from the budget as you like. Once you complete your looting, destroy the evidence so it can’t be uncovered even if a case is launched—you’ll be absolved. Kudos to the Montenegrin judiciary; what else is there to say?” Abazović stated in his podcast “Friday with Dritan,” as announced by the GP URA.

He remarked that the government he once led had filed a criminal complaint regarding the misuse of the Montenegrin budget, highlighting that the allocation of apartments and renovation funds was done unlawfully and against established regulations.

According to him, based on the court’s ruling, it would have been the same outcome had they distributed 100 thousand, 1 million, or 10 million euros.

“This sends a message to the homeless tenants that they are considered second- and third-class citizens, that officials are free to act as they please, while they remain proud and self-governing,” Abazović added.

He reiterated concerns about the indirect ties between segments of the Montenegrin underground and the current administration.

Moreover, he commented on media reports regarding the confiscation of documents from the ‘Grand’ travel agency, which is owned by the uncle of the current Prime Minister, Sreten Kankaraš, whose name has frequently appeared in public discussions and has been connected to the detained Duško Golubović.

Abazović stated that he has been cautioning about certain issues for the past year and a half, describing a figure who manipulates affairs in both the government and security sectors and has ties with Golubović.

“Whether the uncle will cooperate, or whether the seized documents will prove useful, remains to be seen. No one is beyond justice’s reach. All that has been said will become relevant before Montenegro joins the European Union. I urge many respectable individuals who voted for PES to closely examine the realities surrounding them. They should recognize that the people running this government largely owe their positions to individuals connected to the Montenegrin underground,” he noted.

Abazović accused the current government’s initiatives as being orchestrated by those facing justice, aimed at rehabilitating certain factions linked to organized crime.

As the summer tourist season approaches, Abazović expressed concern about potential price hikes in stores, which could divert tourists to neighboring countries.

Stating that the season significantly influences state finances, which are already in a precarious situation, he recommended reinstating the “Stop Inflation” campaign initiated by his administration.

“Reinstating the ‘Stop Inflation’ campaign, in coordination with major retailers and businesses, could facilitate an agreement to lower grocery prices. Any increase in wages or pensions is futile if inflation continues to rise. The primary challenge for citizens is the soaring prices that adversely impact their lives,” declared Abazović, emphasizing that salary and pension boosts are meaningless when food prices are escalating so rapidly.

“Anyone who visits the supermarket checkout understands my point,” he remarked.

In response to a citizen’s inquiry about the glorification of Pavle Đurišić possibly indicating his rehabilitation, Abazović remarked that “the messages we’ve heard don’t contribute to the strengthening of civic identity in Montenegro.”

“I advocate for Montenegro to function as a civil state, ensuring equal treatment for all citizens, guaranteeing identical rights and freedoms to everyone. To achieve this, we must truthfully address historical events. Individuals who committed crimes must be labeled as such, while humanitarians or those who contributed positively should be recognized. We need to guide society toward the true values inherited by our community as the foundation of our civil society. If we exalt the wrong individuals, who propagated injustice rather than justice, we’ll never reach our goal of creating a civil society,” Abazović stated.

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