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Montenegro’s Parliament President, Danijela Đurović, has scheduled another session addressing the ongoing political and economic crisis along with a protest dubbed “We Are Here” following the controversial amendments to the presidential law and an urgent call for extraordinary parliamentary elections.

The initial meeting of parliamentary party leaders ended in discord as leaders from DF, United, and the Member of Montenegro exited, citing the absence of President DPS Mila Đukanović, who expressed disinterest in reaching an agreement or engaging in dialogue.

Last week saw the first protest organized by the Luča forums, backed by DPS, SDP, SD, and LP, attracting around five thousand participants demanding the reversal of the amended presidential law and urgent calls for early parliamentary elections. Although Đukanović did not attend the protest, he expressed his support.

The amended presidential law was passed in parliament with 41 votes from a majority coalition formed after August 2020, largely opposing the DPS and its coalition allies, SDP, SD, and LP.

Proponents of the amendments argued that President Đukanović should adhere to constitutional norms, suggesting their candidate, Miadrag Lekić, while the DPS denounced it as a “constitutional coup.”

Đukanović has declined to sign the law and sent it back to parliament for reconsideration, insisting that the law must be re-voted.

A significant issue for Montenegro revolves around a non-functional constitutional court, with only three of the seven required judges currently appointed, preventing agreement on the election of at least one additional judge.

DPS Vice President Jevto Eraković remarked that Montenegro has awakened to confront, as he stated, “many who wish to dismantle it.”

Eraković anticipates that, along with everyone who participated in the first protest, there’ll be at least one new friend or family member on board.

He asserts that the initial protest has sparked energy, rejuvenating civil Montenegro.

“I expect Montenegro to regain full vitality after two years,” Eraković remarked.

It is evident, he claims, that Montenegro is awakening.

– And everyone can see it. From the reactions of those who have driven us to this point, I conclude that not only the citizens but also the leadership understand that enough is enough. Nothing will revert to its former state. They realize they cannot continue to obstruct or dismantle Montenegro – Eraković elaborated.

He further stated that Montenegro is under a siege, noting that “this is the final attempt to undermine it,” and that the action is “orchestrated and coordinated externally.”

– However, the response must originate from Montenegro, from us who regard this as our only home. Hence, there can be no more excuses; we must reject any form of regression or silence – emphasized Eraković.

When questioned about the course of action if the current parliamentary majority does not await the Venice Commission’s recommendations, Eraković affirmed that “Civic Montenegro will not stand for the dissolution of the state.”