Former Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić has expressed his concerns regarding the Parliament’s ratification of agreements with the United Arab Emirates, questioning the benefits of these deals for the nation.

In response to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s assertion that many are accustomed to “snail speed” and that this should change, Krivokapić stated, “While we might not drive a Formula 1 car, we can still develop optimal solutions for citizens. Good governance is distinguished from poor governance by how much the public interest overshadows private interests. This essentially translates to no corruption.”

In an interview with Newsmax Balkans, Krivokapić remarked that although no evidence of corruption exists in the prospective agreement with Emirati partner Mohammed Alabbar, it is customary in the Arab world to “offer three percent” through the establishment of a company designated for project execution. He also highlighted that Alabbar has come under scrutiny from the Montenegrin public due to his unsuccessful project in Budapest.

Krivokapić warned that should a similar scenario unfold in Montenegro, Prime Minister Spajić would bear the greatest responsibility.

“If anything goes awry with this project, I pose the question: who will be accountable? Will it be the Prime Minister, the Parliament, the representatives? Clear accountability criteria need to be established. Responsibility must be tied to legal liability. The Prime Minister, who approved that contract with minimal consultation, is primary in accountability, but those who backed these actions in Parliament share significant blame.”

Krivokapić noted that he has not interacted with Spajić since he began “empowering the adversaries of the 42nd Government” within the Europe Now Movement and the current administration. His relationship with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, however, stands apart.

“At least he acknowledges major holidays with me. Occasionally, he inquires about my health,” Krivokapić explained.

“Two Major Players Sought My Cooperation with DPS”

Krivokapić claimed that no international entities sought his protection for Democratic Party of Socialists officials following the 2020 parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, during a meeting at Villa Gorica with high-ranking officials from Brussels and the United States, he received requests that he declined.

“They urged me to collaborate with DPS. Two major players—one from the EU, another from America—met with me directly at Villa Gorica. I responded, ‘What are you suggesting? I can consider various options, but not with those who have plunged my country, the homeland of all my ancestors, into organized crime and corruption intertwined with politics… I stand opposed to that,'” Krivokapić stated.

“Mandić is Established, Democrats Lack Stance When Vital”

In light of the suspicion against the bodyguard and nephew of Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić regarding an attempted murder of two individuals in Podgorica, Krivokapić doubts this will lead to Mandić’s resignation.

“Who is supposed to resign? He is comfortably settled and playing his own game—balancing fire and water. When convenient, he favors one side then the other. A highly adept politician,” Krivokapić commented.

He pointed out that nepotism and political recruitment remain prevalent in Montenegrin society. He concluded that the Democratic Front and Democratic Montenegro lead in nepotistic practices, while also criticizing Aleksa Bečić’s party for its indecision during critical moments.

“No other party exhibits such behavior, failing to take a stand when necessary. This includes the Democrats. From my time in the government, when action was needed, the response was often, ‘Let’s be cautious,’ allowing me to confront the issues. This resembles Pontius Pilate’s approach… This is a characteristic of the Democrats.”

Krivokapić expressed that while he speaks Serbian, he critiques those who “employ Cyrillic only for grand announcements” and demand alterations to its status.

“I advocate for careful measures that will lead to the most effective and pragmatically acceptable solution. This progress cannot be achieved through shouting or promoting the Serbian sphere from Belgrade. Montenegro’s challenges must be resolved solely within Montenegro,” Krivokapić asserted.

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