Montenegro’s political scene is undergoing a significant transformation as the Movement for Europe Now (PES) continues to search for its identity amidst rising identity and religious narratives. While the country has not entirely lost its civic character, there is a noticeable shift towards more pronounced identity politics, raising concerns about societal divisions. As the nation approaches its next elections, leaders such as Andrija Mandić and Milan Knežević are actively promoting the identity of their political factions, further complicating the political landscape.
The current dynamics suggest a departure from the established civic principles that have traditionally characterized Montenegro. Political analysts have noted that the governing coalition is increasingly adopting populist rhetoric and focusing on national issues, which may undermine the country’s official commitment to European Union membership. Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister and leader of PES, called upon all government constituents to embrace his political platform, Barometer 26, aimed at accelerating the EU accession process. However, the year has revealed both agreements and divisions within the ruling coalition.
In a document reportedly accepted by all ministers and vice-ministers, Spajić emphasized that sensitive social topics would not be introduced into parliamentary discourse until the conclusion of pre-accession negotiations. These issues, which could aggravate ethnic or religious tensions, are seen as destabilizing factors for national security. Despite this guidance, alternative agendas have emerged, particularly from Mandić, who has actively engaged with key European and U.S. institutions.
Mandić, who leads the New Serbian Democracy party, recently gifted a symbolic artwork of the chapel on Mount Lovćen to prominent officials, including the President of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, Lindsay Hoyle. This chapel, originally constructed in 1925 by King Alexander Karađorđević, represents a controversial period in Montenegro’s history and has long been a focus for Mandić’s political aspirations.
His recent remarks about building Montenegro’s future on Christian moral principles during international engagements have raised alarms. Montenegro is constitutionally a civic state, with a rich tapestry of faiths and nationalities coexisting for centuries. The insistence on a singular religious narrative during such official dialogues is seen as troubling by many observers.
The PES’s recent membership in the Centrist Democratic International (CDI) signifies a shift towards right-leaning political values. This organization includes parties like the Croatian Democratic Union and Hungary’s Fidesz, both known for their conservative stances. Analysts predict that this affiliation may lead to increased populism and historical revisionism within PES, further fostering divisions among the electorate.
Political analyst Nikoleta Đukanović believes this trend reflects a broader shift in Montenegro’s political climate. She notes that while the civic character of the country has not been entirely eradicated, the growing emphasis on identity and religious narratives might destabilize the foundational values that have historically united the nation.
Đukanović points out that the current leadership’s ties to the right can alienate sections of the populace. The potential for political legitimacy based on differences rather than universal values could deepen societal divides. She urges that Montenegro’s institutions should uphold its strong civic legacy and remain committed to secular and inclusive governance to prevent escalating identity tensions.
In contrast, Neira Šabanović, a doctoral candidate at the Free University of Brussels, views PES’s entry into CDI as acceptance of the values espoused by right-leaning parties. She warns that this could signal a trend toward more conservative positions, which might not weaken PES’s coalition potential, given the existing environment where parties often adapt their ideologies for governance.
Mandić’s actions, along with Knežević’s focus on local environmental issues, illustrate the divergent strategies within the ruling coalition. Mandić, taking on the role of a political missionary, promotes his values through every available platform, while Knežević leads initiatives that question the effectiveness of PES’s political actions. Their contrasting approaches highlight the evolving dynamics of Montenegrin politics as the country prepares for its next electoral challenge.
As Montenegro navigates this complex political terrain, the implications of these shifts extend beyond party lines, potentially reshaping the nation’s identity and unity in the years to come.
