In reaction to the recent statements from the Party of European Progress, Democratic Montenegro asserted that it is “undignified and immoral” for moral lectures to come from a party led by Duško Marković, whom they describe as “a symbol of the darkest years in recent Montenegrin history.”

“We have not forgotten who you are and what you have done. What you may have forgotten is not our concern, but rather an issue for the authorities. It is unworthy and immoral for a party, under the leadership of Duško Marković—a man who served as head of the ANB, Deputy Prime Minister for Security, and Prime Minister—to engage in moral discussions. Instead of safeguarding the state, he protected those who plundered and silenced it. Discussing the rule of law is inappropriate when, during your tenure, drug gangs infiltrated institutions, unsolved murders reached record levels, and Montenegro became a route for international smuggling. It is also derogatory to claim to combat organized crime when under your watch, police and ANB officials casually accessed ‘Sky ECC,’ prison-based clan leaders issued orders, and your services provided them with escort, codes, and protection,” stated the Democrats.

They further criticized the call for others to return weapons, highlighting, “your high-ranking officials have arsenals hidden in their family homes and apartments—literally and not just figuratively.”

“You are well aware of this as you have protected those individuals with those weapons, while simultaneously insulting the public in the media, threatening opposition figures, and fabricating scandals against journalists, civil society, and religious leaders. Now, as you have ensured that history will not remember you for the laws you respected but for the silence you enforced, you speak of ‘principles of responsibility’? Gentlemen, we are not addressing you out of fear, but as a stark reminder of what Montenegro must never become again. Do not be troubled by our use of the name you have earned; this is not labeling but rather stating the truth. You had your opportunity and squandered it—for bribery, smuggling, violence, and corruption. The competent state authorities affirm this through numerous trials, indictments, and verdicts. You have brought the state to its knees. You will never see that film again,” concludes their reaction.

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