Each passing year reaffirms that Montenegro’s independence was the superior choice.

This was expressed by civic activist Dina Bajramspahić in an interview with “Vijesti,” marking the 19th anniversary of Montenegrin statehood restoration.

Bajramspahić remarked that this year offers a particularly clear opportunity for such an assessment.

“Reflecting on the past five years, we see the slow pace of progress, the challenges accompanying reforms, and the resurgence of negative practices from the former establishment. It’s evident that the new authorities fail to significantly differ in substance, with the glorification of war criminals prevalent. All the criticisms aimed at ‘independence’ highlight the constraints of political elites rather than the concept itself. It’s increasingly clear that the choice for an independent state was the right one, sparing us from another two decades stuck in a labyrinth,” Bajramspahić stated.

According to her, a crucial question regarding the 2006 independence referendum is where Montenegro would be if it remained alongside Serbia.

“The alternative is incredibly bleak,” she asserted.

Despite numerous pressing issues in Montenegro, Bajramspahić noted the importance of overcoming “the alienated and servile attitude towards the government, waiting for crumbs.”

“Post-state emancipation, an individual-level emancipation is essential, creating a situation where citizens are not dependent on the government,” she emphasized.

She highlighted that Montenegro’s small size grants every citizen greater potential to significantly influence decisions at both local and national levels. She pointed out that no self-aware citizen of countries like England, Germany, or others would ever utter sentiments like: “What does my country need independence for? It’s better if it doesn’t exist,” just due to dissatisfaction with public policies or social issues.

“In places like Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Croatia, and Slovenia, such statements are unheard of—not because they are taboo, but because no one feels as powerless as citizens here do, viewing the state as a distant entity with no connection. Since the French Revolution in 1789, citizens have understood the link between their lives and public policies, recognizing themselves as active participants, not passive observers,” Bajramspahić underscored.

She advocates for a proactive stance from citizens towards governance, highlighting their responsibility to engage in resolving societal issues.

“There is a direct correlation between citizen engagement and government quality—our state reflects who we are. No matter how frustrating that may sound,” she remarked.

She clarified that this understanding does not absolve authorities of their institutional, criminal, or moral responsibilities but rather restores sovereignty to where it rightfully belongs—reflecting the situation of May 21, 2006.

“Empowering citizens within Montenegrin society is crucial for addressing any other issues. Yet, as has often been the case in our history, the government continues to adopt a condescending attitude, opting for clientelism, nepotism, populism, and partitocracy, keeping many citizens in a state of subordination while hoping for change. The lack of integrity and civic courage cannot solely be blamed on the government. This is why the state’s image mirrors our own,” Bajramspahić concluded.

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