In a statement today, Zoran Mrkić, the leader of the Europe Now Movement (PES) list, unapologetically defended a coalition with nationalist Marko Kovačević. This reflects the movement’s continued submissive stance towards Andrija Mandić and other proponents of a regressive nationalist ideology that is steadily harming Montenegro, as announced by the Municipal Committee (OO) of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) in Nikšić.

“PES’s current position towards the former Democratic Front has resulted in their support halving within just two years, transforming them into a version of the new Democrats—a party lacking ideology and identity, merely functioning as a satellite for Andrija Mandić, Milan Knežević, Marko Kovačević, and their associates. Therefore, they seem to be offended by the truth we presented during the election campaign, which asserted that every vote cast for PES effectively supports Marko Kovačević. Recent developments validate this,” the DPS Nikšić statement notes.

They further added that “it remains uncertain whether the PES’s cowardice will lead them to endorse someone who disrespects the national anthem, undermines anti-fascist achievements, and files charges against journalists and activists for their critiques, opting to report to the Serbian Parliament instead of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly.”

“Nonetheless, the unfolding events will reveal the true nature and future of the Europe Now Movement, as they face a choice between a civic and European Nikšić on one side and the nationalist Marko Kovačević on the other. The outcomes for those who select the latter are best illustrated by the experiences of the Movement for Change, URE, and others who allied with Andrija Mandić and his adherents, only to find themselves marginalized on the Montenegrin political landscape. Ultimately—let PES make its choices; DPS will steadfastly uphold a civic, European, and modern Montenegro, whether in power or opposition, refusing to compromise these values for privileges, positions, or control,” stated the DPS Nikšić.

The leader of the PES list in the local elections in Nikšić, held on April 13, Zoran Mrkić, stated earlier today that PES will not ally with parties that threaten the government’s priorities.

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