Nineteen years ago today, Montenegro embraced its identity—not in opposition to anyone else, but in pursuit of its own dignity and the right to forge its own path. On a day meant for celebrating the resilience of our nation, the wisdom of our citizens’ choices, and hope for the future, the headlines in our newspapers remain muted. Or worse—they echo themes of confinement, division, and alienation, suggesting that our independence is a misstep and our love for the homeland a frailty.

This sentiment was expressed by Rozalina Ljuljđuraj from the Party of European Progress in a statement released to the media.

“Not a single word of ‘congratulations.’ No expression of pride. No imagery to unite us. Instead, we see: ‘A country trapped between past and future.’ Is that our only message today? ‘A nation caught in divisions.’ And where are the words that heal, unite, and inspire faith? ‘Sovereignty in the showcase, the keys held by others.’ But where is our key—from the heart, from self-assurance, from accountability?

Criticism is constructive. Alerts are beneficial. However, some days call for uplifting encouragement instead of reminders of what’s wrong. If you can’t utter the word ‘congratulations’ on Independence Day, then you are not confronting the truth, but rather succumbing to denial. You are not merely disappointed—you are defeated. And we are not a defeated people,” Ljuljđuraj asserted.

She emphasized that Montenegro remains free—exhausted, yet standing tall; under attack, yet unconquered; battered, yet alive.

“No one asks for false optimism, but is it too much to expect that at least once a year we acknowledge our gratitude? That this nation chose peace when conflict was the easier route? That citizens rallied to vote for hope, not hatred? Isn’t that front-page worthy?”

We have a duty—to May 21st, to ourselves, and to future generations—to ensure that the truth is not smothered by cynical rhetoric. To prevent the poison of defeatism from convincing us that our independence is a failure.

“Because Montenegro isn’t stuck—rather, it often lacks a voice. It is not a divided citizenry, but one that is manipulated. Sovereignty isn’t just for display—it resides in each of us when we choose to defend it, embrace it, and cherish it,” Ljuljđuraj highlighted.

That is why we will not be silent today, she added.

“Today, we raise our voices—not against others, but for ourselves. For Montenegro—our one and only, too precious to divide, too beautiful to relinquish. Happy Independence Day, our Mother Montenegro. And pardon us for not all joining in the congratulations,” she concluded.

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