The reception for May 21, Montenegro’s Independence Day, hosted by the Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, took place two days ago without representatives from the former Democratic Front (DF) parties now in the government, as well as the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC). This continues the trend of their absence from this official gathering. Additionally, opposition figures who attended in previous years were also missing from the ceremony.

The event, held at the University Sports and Cultural Centre, welcomed the highest state officials along with representatives from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the diplomatic community, media, NGOs, and various public and cultural figures.

When asked by “Vijesti” about their absence from the Independence Day reception, prominent figures from the New Serbian Democracy (NSD) Andrije Mandić and the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) Milan Knežević did not provide any comments.

Available images from the Government’s website indicate that representatives from these two parties were also absent at the celebrations in previous years, specifically in 2022 and 2023.

Among the members of these parties are Deputy Prime Ministers Budimir Aleksic (NSD) and Milun Zogović (DNP), alongside ministers Maja Vukićević (DNP), Slaven Radunović (NSD), and Simonida Kordić (NSD).

The Government did not clarify yesterday who was invited to the reception, the reasons for the absence of ministers from NSD and DNP, or whether the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Joannikius and representatives of other faiths were invited and subsequently informed of their absence.

Head of the DPS Parliamentary Club Andrija Nikolić told “Vijesti” that the party’s MPs had received invitations but felt ‘no need to engage in protocol with those who, even on the 19th anniversary of the restoration of Montenegrin independence, refuse to acknowledge the 2006 referendum results and are undermining Montenegro’s independence from power positions.’

“The ruling majority displays a reluctance to fully accept Montenegro’s independence, seeking to disavow the legitimacy of the referendum as part of a broader strategy aimed at completely revoking Montenegrin sovereignty,” he asserted.

Nikolić emphasized that the primary principle that ought to be honored “for a collective toast to Montenegro on Independence Day” is recognizing the results of the “democratically executed independence referendum of 2006.”

Representatives from that party participated in the receptions of 2021, under Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic, and the following year during Dritan Abazovic‘s administration. The former leader, who is now an honorary president of DPS, Milo Djukanović, supported Abazović in forming the government in early 2022, but later withdrew that support due to the Basic Agreement signed with the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The opposition Social Democrats (SD) and the Civic Movement URA did not respond to inquiries regarding the absence of their representatives from the Independence Day ceremony. Similarly, the Montenegrin and Littoral Orthodox Church did not clarify why Metropolitan Joanikije was not present at the reception.

According to the government’s photo archive, MCR representatives had also not attended the receptions in previous years, while members of the Islamic and Jewish communities have been present in the past.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Spajić noted that Montenegro will celebrate two decades of independence next year, emphasizing the responsibility of the current generation to “guide the country back to its rightful place in the European Union (EU) for this significant milestone.”

“The next two years will serve as a definitive test of our collective growth and readiness to achieve this generational aspiration, which is now within our grasp. The goal is for Montenegro to meet all negotiation criteria by next year and to become an EU member by 2028,” Spajić remarked.

He also pointed out that during 19 years of independence, Montenegro has solidified its position internationally as a NATO member and a candidate for EU membership, yet has faced internal divisions exacerbated by “party and personal interests.” Spajić called for viewing the independence anniversary as more than just a commemoration.

“It should be a celebration of knowledge and excellence. A reminder of the opportunities we must seize, a country we should cherish through actions, and a future that should not be passively awaited but actively crafted. In this spirit, let us celebrate the glorious past and an even brighter future, wishing for a joyful Independence Day. May Montenegro endure eternally,” the Prime Minister concluded.

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