The government’s response to the opposition’s proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing constitutional and parliamentary crisis will reveal their genuine commitment to European integration, according to Damir Šehović, the president of the Social Democrats and a key figure in the European Alliance.

He emphasized that the opposition has put forward a platform that aligns perfectly with the European agenda.

Šehović remarked that this initiative was intended to make a constructive contribution towards resolving the deep-rooted political, constitutional, and parliamentary crisis that threatens to paralyze political activities in Montenegro and to uphold the constitutional order.

“The core of our initiative is encapsulated in the proposal to sign an agreement that would mandate consulting the Venice Commission (VC) for an expert assessment on whether Article 154 of the Constitution was breached in the process of dismissing a judge of the Constitutional Court,” he stated.

Šehović also noted that the agreement would entail the obligation to comply with the findings of this opinion.

“Furthermore, the agreement would include a mutual understanding to impose a moratorium on contentious issues dividing Montenegrin society, such as constitutional amendments concerning identity matters and the Law on Montenegrin Citizenship,” the statement added.

According to Šehović, raising these issues at this juncture would effectively alienate Montenegro from the European agenda and might incite new political tensions with unpredictable ramifications.

“It appears that this is the intent of a significant portion of the parliamentary majority,” Šehović stated.

He reaffirmed that the opposition would commit to returning to parliament if these principles are accepted, thereby restoring the Assembly’s regular functions.

Šehović claimed that through this approach, the opposition has been transparent and has placed the government under scrutiny.

He asserted that there is now no room for excuses, tactical delays, or political maneuvers.

“Only one crucial question remains – is the government genuinely ready to prioritize Montenegro’s European path over the interests of a well-known power center in our neighboring country, or will it succumb to coalition blackmail in the face of significant European challenges?” the statement asked.

Šehović pointed out that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s reaction to these demands will reveal not just his personal political commitment to the European path, but also the true nature of the current government’s stance on European integration.

He highlighted that the European path cannot be constructed through mere declarations but must be pursued through accountability and concrete actions.

“Any political maneuvering, such as claims that addressing the Supreme Court would ‘endanger the dignity of the domestic legal system’ – a statement already disproven by the Vice President of the Council for Democratic Elections of the Supreme Court, Srđan Darmanović – is merely an attempt to obscure political fragility,” the statement said.

Such a stance, it concluded, would signify only one thing.

“Either the Prime Minister lacks the political courage, or he does not possess the real authority to confront his coalition partners, who view Montenegro’s European future solely as a means to superficially impress the international community while undermining Montenegro’s civic integrity,” said Šehović.

He acknowledged that the opposition has fulfilled its responsibilities.

“We have articulated clear demands aimed at advancing Montenegro in accordance with European values and the constitutional order,” emphasized Šehović.

Now, he stated, it is incumbent upon the government to demonstrate that European integration is not just a political slogan but a genuine commitment to the citizens.

“By dismissing such a constructive proposal, the government would assume full responsibility for the different political dynamics that would inevitably follow,” warned Šehović.

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