While Montenegro publicly advocates for anti-fascist principles, it often showcases a superficial version of anti-fascism. Instead of promoting solidarity and respect, there is a troubling rise in narratives of revisionism, intolerance, and a nominal European path devoid of meaningful progress.

The insights shared by “Vijesti” interlocutors on May 9th—Victory Day over Fascism and Europe Day for Montenegro—highlight this issue, especially amid a backdrop of influential local figures rewriting history. Discussions around relocating monuments dedicated to anti-fascist leaders coincide with claims from some in the public that top state officials are pursuing anti-European policies, despite appearing to support European ideals.

“The term anti-fascism has been so misused that it holds no real meaning anymore. At its core, it represents a pacifist ideology and ethical standpoint. If discrimination underpins fascism, then tolerance is the foundation of anti-fascism. We kid ourselves by insisting that today’s Montenegro is rooted in the values of anti-fascism. In reality, we are merely a declaratively anti-fascist society,” shared Ivan Mijanović from the nongovernmental organization Antifascists of Cetinje with “Vijesti”.

Former editor of the weekly “Monitor” Esad Kocan remarked that fascism, described as “the eternal potential of nothingness,” cannot be eradicated completely.

“Observing Europe reveals that fascism has not been permanently defeated—instead, it is resurfacing, with its ideologies gaining traction and even dominating in certain areas. This holds true here as well… We have a spectacle of anti-fascism,” he commented to “Vijesti”.

Philosopher Slađana Kavarić Mandić asserts that the battle against fascism is ongoing, emphasizing that Montenegro has strong foundations to continue this anti-fascist struggle, which is imperative.

“The rise of fascist tendencies is unavoidable. Class injustice, exploitation, oppression, and the intensification of nationalism and clericalism are all becoming increasingly evident and vocal, often well-funded,” she emphasized.

The surrender of Nazi Germany occurred on this day 80 years ago, marking the end of World War II in Europe, commemorated as Victory over Fascism Day. For countries aligned with the Soviet Union, May 9 is celebrated as Victory Day, while Western nations observe it a day earlier.

May 9, 1950, also marks the beginning of the European Union (EU).

Patterns Leading to Intolerance

Both Mijanović and Kočan reference a recent statement by the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Joanikije, who referred to Chetnik commander and war criminal Pavle Djurišić as a “great hero of invincible character”—a negative illustration of the diminishment of anti-fascist values.

Mijanović noted that the notion of Montenegro being merely declaratively anti-fascist is validated by research showing that the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) holds significant sway in the country.

“Their perspective on historical events and crimes—is particularly evident in the recent exaltation of Pavle Đurišić as a hero—indicates their inability to view Montenegrin society as a collective of citizens, revealing that the anti-fascist ethos is not prevalent in Montenegro,” he argued.

The interviewee highlighted the silence among ruling structures regarding the glorification of war criminals and collaborators with fascists and Nazis.

State and Parliament leaders Jakov Milatović and Andrija Mandic, along with most ruling parties, have been quiet about Joanikije’s remarks, while Prime Minister Milojko Spajic only stated that he did not endorse “statements that might exacerbate existing divisions.”

“Instead of fostering solidarity, respect, and appreciation for the uniqueness of Montenegrin society, patterns fostering national and religious intolerance continue to proliferate. Such narratives and evident examples of revisionism only regress us,” Mijanović concluded.

Kočan remarked that Joanikije made his statement confident that his followers would not rebel, indicating he anticipated minimal backlash.

“We indeed have a spectacle of anti-fascism, but at its core… consider the statement from the head priest of the largest religious community in Montenegro, a man with documented mass crimes, who boasted about the civilians he killed to his commander,” Kočan expressed.

As another example of the futility of anti-fascist values, Vladislava Dajkovic, president of Free Montenegro, has announced plans to propose relocating the monument of Josip Broz Tito to Cetinje. Podgorica’s Mayor Saša Mujović stated that he believes such a move is unwise, asserting that Tito is a significant figure in the history of the former SFRY, Montenegro, and specifically the city, formerly known as Titograd for over 50 years.

Thus, he declared his rejection of the initiative.

“If I express strong opinions, that is another issue, but I will firmly oppose any attempts to rewrite history,” he asserted.

Kavarić Mandić believes that anti-fascism in Montenegro exists only in rhetoric, as an ambiguous concept that, while sometimes referenced, lacks genuine significance in practice.

“On one front, under the orchestrated growth of the right, the legacy of anti-fascism is being wrongfully represented and vilified, while on another, neoliberal, ideologically opportunistic forces dilute anti-fascism within embassies and political receptions. The Montenegrin morass is determining the fate of Tito’s monument, drawing local-patriotic, right-wing, clerical, and party arguments, all equally flawed and malicious in their understanding of a historical period that advanced this region,” she stressed.

“Peko and Koča can’t align with Draž, Krsto, Osman…”

Mijanović assessed that, despite the circumstances, it cannot be claimed that the anti-fascist heritage is disregarded in Montenegro. He noted there remains robust reminiscence among some demographics of socialist Yugoslavia and the national liberation effort, viewed as a struggle for a different society—one built on equality and solidarity.

“The socialist Yugoslav era, founded on the National Liberation Movement and anti-fascism, epitomized a civilizational zenith for our peoples,” he asserted.

He further observed that overt fascist elements exist across all countries of former Yugoslavia, and many crimes committed in the name of religion and nationality are downplayed and relativized.

“Often, communities accuse each other of fascism while simultaneously perceiving their ‘own’ groups as anti-fascist. In today’s Croatia, the Ustasha movement does not defend itself from ‘anti-fascist’ critiques and enjoys substantial support within segments of society and the Catholic Church, unlike in Serbia, where Chetnik followers tragically cling to their own version of anti-fascism, aggressively supported by the state and church,” he added.

Mijanović pointed out ‘quasi-anti-fascists’—those who consider themselves as carrying forward the anti-fascist legacy of World War II yet fundamentally undermine and compromise true anti-fascist principles.

“I cannot reconcile with Peko and Koča while standing alongside Draž, Krsto, Osman, or Jusup,” he remarked, reiterating that the state’s stance on anti-fascism is only superficial and must not remain a relic of the past.

“It has to become an active resistance to modern manifestations of fascism. We also need a widespread, regional renaissance of anti-fascism—an anti-fascism with a universal character,” Mijanović emphasized.

Esad Kočan remarked that anti-fascist achievements should be analyzed from various perspectives, claiming that these accomplishments extend beyond commemorating historical dates.

“We require an inverted pyramid logic—how have we confronted the crimes of the 1990s, perpetrated by living individuals among us? Have those acts been included in our educational curriculum… If these are our guiding inspirations in battling mid-twentieth-century fascism, we must demonstrate our stance against contemporary crimes, against the vile ideologies emerging today,” he assessed.

Anti-fascism (is) alive

Opposition Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) member Sonja Milatović told “Vijesti” that anti-fascism forms “an integral part of Montenegro’s identity and the cornerstone of its proud history.”

“Regrettably, today in Montenegro we are often confronted with the glorification of fascism from various quarters. Particularly troubling in this context is the silence of top state officials regarding attempts to revise the anti-fascist legacy. This behavior is unacceptable and damaging.”

The opposition’s European Union ally remarked that for Montenegro and all anti-fascists, “enlightened citizens whose personal and political values center on humanity, equality, and freedom for all—irrespective of any affiliation—identify May 9th as a significant and pivotal date.”

“For some individuals, masquerading as civic-minded and pro-European entities, peripheral groups within the government led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, serve merely as a bridge to overtly nationalist platforms. For them, engaging on May 9th is a mere formality designed to disguise their lack of ideology and the absence of values they ostensibly carry, particularly European and anti-fascist ones. They are uninterested in the cause of anti-fascism, perceiving it rather as a divisive force in Montenegrin society.

Ruling Socialist People’s Party member Bogdan Božović told “Vijesti” that anti-fascism in Montenegro endures through associations, families of fighters, and institutions that remember the National Liberation War, as well as honoring forebears who sacrificed their lives for freedom…

“European values—freedom, justice, equality, respect for human rights, and solidarity—now constitute a vital part of Montenegro and the EU. As an aspiring member state, Montenegro must champion these ideals daily, not just on May 9th.”

Leader of the Democratic Party parliamentary group, Boris Bogdanović, stated that for them, May 9 serves as a reminder of the quest for freedom and the responsibility to safeguard that freedom today.

“Anti-fascism is the bedrock of our modern statehood; our European journey is framed not merely as a geographical pursuit but as a commitment to values that should resonate through our institutions, laws, and a daily culture of respecting differences,” he articulated.

He stressed that anti-fascism in Montenegro remains vibrant due to the populace, not the three-decade-old system.

He asserted that the state must live up to its historical obligations by ensuring: protection of historical heritage, commitment to truth, and institutional backing for a culture of remembrance and education explaining to youth why fascism was overcome and why it must never return.

He highlighted that in Montenegro today, there are efforts and a strong desire to implement European values, such as rule of law, respect for human rights, combating corruption, freedom of expression, independent institutions, and justice for all; however, “stiff opposition exists from those accustomed to exploiting the system for their own gain over the past 30 years.”

“Thus, the battle for European values in Montenegro is currently being fought not in talks with Brussels, but rather within the Parliament, the prosecutor’s office, the police, and the general public.”

Kavarić Mandić: A Day to Remember All Known and Unknown Victims

Slađana Kavarić Mandić considers May 9, 2025, a significant date as it marks eight decades since fascism was defeated, but also serves as “a culmination of a combative, humanitarian, and anti-fascist phase in Europe.”

Though celebrated as Europe Day, she contends that its fundamental and historical significance relates to the conclusion of World War II.

“Thus, May 9 serves as vital commemoration for all those who courageously sacrificed their lives for universal ideals such as freedom and humanism. This is a day to honor all known and unknown victims of fascist and Nazi terror, as well as all the values birthed from that struggle, including the partisans who helped uphold the dignity of human life and live by those principles, even if temporarily,” she remarked.

Europe is Not What It Used to Be Either

When asked about the existence of European values in Montenegro and Europe today, Mijanović expressed that many Europeans have likely lost faith in the original values established by (former French Foreign Minister) Robert Schuman in 1950.

“Contemporary Europe and the world significantly resemble the 1920s and 1930s, the era of rising fascism and Nazism,” he added.

He asserts that Europe needs to revert to prioritizing peace, tolerance, and global solidarity.

“Discussions of humanistic and universal values become hollow when Europe overlooks genocide in Gaza or fails to engage in peacemaking efforts in Ukraine,” he noted.

Esad Kočan remarked that in the 21st century, the world witnessed the Srebrenica genocide occur within a UN-protected area, and now, while “the grievous genocide of this century unfolds,” the global community is not merely observing but is actively complicit.

“When we engage in dialogues around European values, we invariably refer to the European standard—the contributions of the anti-fascist legacy, the spirit of tolerance, and the support for diversity, alongside a critical approach to authority. Europe’s paramount contribution is the capacity for doubt and critical thinking. While fascists may construct bridges, true critical thought seeks to understand and create safe spaces for every individual… Our circumstance today reflects a severe deficit in this realm, as local and global players facilitating fascist ideologies exploit our vulnerabilities,” he remarked.

Kočan compared the journey toward Europe to “taking a driving test,” emphasizing the necessity of scrutinizing the processes ahead, cautioning that not everything endorsed by Europe equates to anti-fascism.

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