The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) is urging the government to sign an agreement with the opposition that would implement a moratorium on changes to the Constitution and the Law on Montenegrin Citizenship. They believe this issue is not adequately addressed in the government platform “Barometer 26” that is currently being offered for endorsement. Conversely, the Europe Now Movement (PES) argues that the DPS is rejecting the document with the intent of perpetuating the “identity campaign.”

This information was shared with “Vijesti” by representatives from both the leading opposition and government parties, in response to inquiries regarding their insistence on their respective agreements and what might serve as a compromise to resolve the political deadlock.

On Monday evening, Milojko Spajic, the Prime Minister and head of PES, along with Danijel Zivkovic of DPS and Damir Sehovic of the Social Democrats (SD), discussed potential solutions for the crisis stemming from recent events related to the Constitutional Court. The situation specifically involves the parliament’s declaration made in mid-December last year without the required notification to the Constitutional Court and the subsequent termination of judicial responsibilities for Dragani Đuranović in that institution.

The meeting took place in Podgorica, hosted by Johan Sattler, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro. Despite the presence of two of Spajić’s PES colleagues, the meeting did not resolve the fundamental disagreement between the government and opposition regarding an agreement necessary to normalize parliamentary functionalities following the removal of opposition MPs from the plenary session. According to “Vijesti,” a nearly finalized agreement for the Venice Commission to provide an opinion on the Đuranović case has also become more complex.

“A deal neither too close nor too far”

A source from DPS informed Vijesti that they are pressing for the signing of an agreement to implement a moratorium on changes to the Constitution and the Law on Montenegrin Citizenship because it lacks precise mention in the “Barometer 26,” a platform outlining “joint obligations for completing EU negotiations.” They noted that the Prime Minister’s party adheres to a “general formulation” regarding identity issues in that document, as they are apprehensive about potential reactions from the head of parliament and Andrije Mandić of the New Serbian Democracy (NSD), who advocates modifications to the highest legal framework regarding official language and citizenship laws to allow for dual citizenship with Serbia.

When asked if DPS’s assertion that Spajić has indicated PES would oppose such changes proposed by Mandić is a reliable assurance, the respondent replied negatively.

“If Spajić cannot endorse the agreement (proposed by DPS), he cannot ensure that no changes will occur,” the source stated.

When questioned about what concessions DPS is prepared to make for a mutual agreement with the Prime Minister, the source indicated that they have already made a significant move by offering to allow full parliamentary operations immediately after requesting an opinion from the Venice Commission, as opposed to their earlier proposal that the parliament function partially until the “Venetians” report arrives, only handling budget-related matters.

Most opposition MPs are currently barred from attending plenary sessions due to Mandić having suspended them early in February for impeding the budget vote (which eventually passed). The opposition obstructed parliamentary activities because the ruling majority refused to annul the Constitutional Committee’s conclusion and Mandić’s declaration regarding Dragana Đuranović’s office being terminated as she had met retirement criteria under the Pension and Disability Insurance Law. The opposition contends that both the Constitutional Committee and Mandić have overstepped their authority.

The DPS informant expressed confidence that an agreement with PES regarding the Venice Commission could be reached, but acknowledged that the agreement’s details remain unresolved.

“The deal is neither too close nor too far. However, these are merely initial positions,” he added.

Mandić states he won’t sign “Barometer”

In contrast, a PES source informed “Vijesti” that everything the DPS is demanding was already proposed in “Barometer 26,” suggesting that the main opposition party is attempting to compel the ruling majority to endorse their document in light of the upcoming elections in Nikšić and Herceg Novi.

“Our impression is that the DPS is dismissing ‘Barometer 26’ because it does not wish to set aside divisive issues, instead desiring to maintain an ongoing identity campaign,” the source remarked.

The government document approved in early December last year stipulates that all signatories agree to support obligations within the “European agenda,” promote a “political climate of dialogue, cooperation, and compromise,” and refer “polarizing issues” (including identity matters and topics that might incite ethnic or religious tensions or destabilize Montenegro’s national security) to a “special mechanism” for resolution, including working groups and parliamentary committees, to be supported by expert input from the academic community…

However, Spajić has not presented the document for signatures, and some members of the executive branch have indicated they do not intend to endorse it. Mandić has also indirectly suggested in parliament that he would not sign.

“All I seek is what Prime Minister Spajić proposed — that certain laws, which the Constitution mandates to be amended with the consent of the parliamentary majority, should be regulated by consensus…”, he articulated during a legislative session.

The coalition agreement on governance, which includes Mandić’s NSD as a signatory, aligns with the government platform advocating for EU integration, enhancing regional cooperation, and refraining from actions that incite societal tensions…

Sekulović observes similarity in proposals

Lawyer and former Interior Minister Sergej Sekulović evaluated that the content of “Barometer 26” aligns closely with the proposals from the DPS, thus noting no substantial rationale exists for a compromise to be unattainable between both sides.

He stated the outcome remains to be seen, speculating if “partisan interests” will overshadow the public interest, which he emphasized is for the political process to return to “normal” while focusing efforts on concluding the negotiation chapters. This perspective resonates with the vast majority of Montenegrin citizens, he remarked.

“Will disparities in approach outweigh the public interest? A compromise should involve sidelining polarizing issues and concentrating on shared objectives. From my perspective, ‘Barometer’ essentially conveys the same message as the DPS proposal, only differing in linguistic formulation, thereby making Spajić’s stance less challenging…”, Sekulović highlighted.

He acknowledged the value of the government-opposition dialogue, although he noted it would have been preferable to avoid needing an “external” mediator.

“The EU’s constructive involvement is certainly a testament to our potential importance. Additionally, this seems to be a political strategy where achieving an agreement might be portrayed as a major ‘triumph’ for one faction. This process may require time, especially with the proximity of elections in Nikšić,” the source commented.

The DPS, the European Alliance (of which SD is a member), and the Croatian Civic Initiative reaffirmed at a gathering hosted by Sattler their commitment to the opposition’s readiness to sign an agreement aimed at resolving the protracted political and institutional crisis…

This document is intended to ensure that no proposals “dividing the public,” such as amendments to the Constitution and the Law on Montenegrin Citizenship, be put forward without a consensus. They also stated that the agreement would involve collaboratively defining a specific issue for submission to the Venice Commission, with all parties obliged to comply with the received opinion.

“Should the agreement be signed, the opposition would resume regular parliamentary operations…”, it was announced.

The Đuranović lawsuit won’t hinder seeking “Venetians’

As reported by “Vijesti” yesterday, Spajić’s suggestion to consult the “Venetians” was reportedly agreed upon during the meeting with Živković and Šehović. However, the Prime Minister expressed concern over Đuranović’s concurrent lawsuit against Parliament (alleging discrimination), feeling it inappropriate to undermine domestic judicial credibility.

“The PES Club welcomes the Venice Commission, provided it does not compromise the integrity of the national judiciary, which has already been approached regarding the same issue by the affected party (Đuranović). Essentially, the Venice Commission prefers not to interfere in proceedings currently active in local courts,” a government participant disclosed to “Vijesti”.

The Vice President of the Council for Democratic Elections of the Venice Commission and professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Podgorica, Srđan Darmanović, affirmed to “Vijesti” that the Venice Commission’s opinion may be solicited irrespective of the current phase of the internal political or legal processes.

He clarified that the Commission is not an international judicial authority, but rather an advisory body within the Council of Europe, which does not issue binding decisions but offers evaluations at the request of states or the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly.

Sources from the meeting reported that the head of the EU Delegation committed to inquiring when and how the “Venetians” could provide an opinion without disturbing the domestic judicial process.

Possible government reshuffle next week?

A source for “Vijesti” from PES indicated that during the forthcoming regular spring session (scheduled to commence on the first working day of March), parliamentary members are likely to discuss a government reconstruction, specifically merging the ministries of energy and mining, together with oil and gas, and establishing a ministry of public works.

Admir Šahmanović, currently leading the Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas, is expected to be appointed as the Minister overseeing the “merged” departments.

The Minister of Energy position has remained vacant since late December, following Saša Mujović’s election as Mayor of Podgorica. The departmental merger follows seven months after the separation of mining, oil, and gas from the Ministry of Energy, which occurred during the last government reshuffle in July of the prior year.

For the Minister of Public Works role, Spajić has proposed Majda Adžović, the existing State Secretary at the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property.

News