Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić mentioned that he attentively listened to all opinions expressed in parliament, stating that “democracy encompasses both criticism and support.”

“Numerous accusations have been voiced here. Much of what has been said is inaccurate, but in political battles, anything goes. Opposition members are entitled to express views that may be contentious and expect the public to believe their claims and support them in upcoming elections. I have been in politics for a long time, and sometimes a falsehood returns like a boomerang,” he stated.

He pointed out that the DPS originated from the League of Communists and aligned with Slobodan Milošević, claiming that it appropriated its ideology from the Liberal Alliance.

“Why do they overlook the first referendum while emphasizing the second one?” he questioned, asserting that “DPS has forgotten a portion of its history.”

Mandić conveyed that he was “focused on the future” and expressed optimism that Montenegro could become the next member of the European Union (EU).

“Just as I have been from ’92 regarding the DPS. I have remained consistent. Since the sixth grade, I have lived at the same address – in the house constructed by my father. My wealth has not increased even by a cent, apart from what I inherited from my parents,” he explained.

Addressing his nephew, who is currently in pretrial detention, he stated, “Do not separate him from my son… I do not disown my closest relatives. Unlike those willing to betray their kin from 1941 to 1945, we must stand united. If anyone has breached the law, there are no double standards for my nephew, my son, or myself,” he asserted.

After advising DPS MPs against assuming the role of judges, party MP Oskar Huter added, “And yet you can.”

Mandić highlighted that “an honest man, Milan Paunović,” made a statement during the committee, and mentioned that “Raspopović and Goran Žugić were members of the DPS.”

“Lives were lost, and there was smuggling of cigarettes, drugs, and weapons. I am not accusing any of you… You are now the DPS elite. Do not shield their misdeeds. You did not act against that. Why advocate for the youth and political futures of those who were complicit? They appropriated billions of euros and took lives. Why do you claim they founded Montenegro when in ’92 they stood with me insisting on protecting a united state? Why overlook portions of the party’s history?” he challenged DPS MPs.

Mandić also revealed that his wife was not accepted into the competition at the Aluminum Plant, “and now a new narrative about Belgrade on the water is surfacing.”

“Let us collaborate to enhance life in Montenegro. Young people have never traveled as they do now,” noted the parliament head, prompting Huter to retort, “With what passport?”

The president of the DPS parliamentary group, Andrija Nikolić, commented that it was suggested today that the National Security Agency (ANB) was involved in the assassination of former Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić, with an implication that their fate would follow after Milošević’s arrest, as ruled by a Serbian court.

Nikolić explained that the Special Operations Unit (JSO) of Serbian State Security did not execute such an order merely on command, but rather because the operative group led by Aco Tomic clarified that following Milošević’s arrest and extradition to The Hague, members of the JSO would be the next targets.

“That is why they assassinated the Serbian Prime Minister,” Nikolić asserted.

“Milo Đukanović’s greatest transgression in your view is the reinstatement of independence. You would overlook all his transgressions. In relation to Serbia, he can do anything—even commit murder against Stambolić, Đinđić, Ćuruvija. You have never distanced yourselves from the Serbian leadership. In Montenegro, he cannot act freely. That reflects your policy,” Nikolić conveyed to Mandić.

He insisted that they “bear the responsibility to provide answers to the citizens” and questioned Mandić if he had filed a lawsuit against Nikola Jovanović, as he previously announced, due to the mayor of Budva’s allegations regarding Mandić’s property in Platamuni.

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Zdenka Popović concluded that the debate was over and that the voting process was about to commence.

Following the voting, Popović called for a break.