President Jakov Milatovic of Montenegro has returned 27 laws approved by the National Assembly, a move that has ignited controversy and accusations of political revenge. The laws, deemed essential for advancing Montenegro’s negotiations with the European Union, were passed on March 4, 2024, and received support from both the ruling coalition and the leading opposition party.
In a statement on social media platform X, Milatovic justified his decision by asserting the importance of giving lawmakers the opportunity to “truly read” the proposed legislation. He emphasized that European reforms necessitate more than mere formalities in the assembly; they require substantial discussion and deliberation.
Milatovic stated, “European reforms do not mean merely fulfilling obligations on paper but require a serious and responsible approach to lawmaking. Citizens expect lawmakers to handle the laws that govern their daily lives with diligence and care.” The president is currently in the United States, which has added another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
The reaction from the opposition has been swift. Abaz Dizdarevic, a member of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and deputy speaker, criticized Milatovic’s actions as a continuation of a pattern motivated by personal grievances. He suggested that the president’s refusal to endorse the laws is an act of revenge for the assembly’s decision not to confirm his candidate, Predrag Krstonijevic, for a position on the Constitutional Court.
Dizdarevic remarked, “Milatovic’s reactions are not principled but are a direct attempt to block the system to project himself as a necessary decision-maker.” He further accused the president of sacrificing the momentum of Montenegro’s European integration for personal promotion and party positioning.
The DPS politician warned that Milatovic’s approach could lead to his political isolation. He posed a rhetorical question regarding the feasibility of Milatovic reading all 27 laws in one night to identify the issues he raised, suggesting that the president would need to provide a detailed justification for returning the legislation.
Responses from the opposition have been carefully measured. Members of the parliament, led by Assembly President Andrija Mandic, agreed that comments on Milatovic’s decisions should come solely from parliamentary clubs, with the ruling parties opting to refrain from public commentary.
Despite this, members of the government have begun to voice their opinions. Following initial reactions from ministers of European affairs and finance, Nik Đeljošaj, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, expressed agreement with the criticism of Milatovic’s decision, labeling it a “serious and conscious institutional obstruction” to Montenegro’s European integration.
Đeljošaj noted the critical importance of this year for the country’s European trajectory. He emphasized that the current situation could lead to a clear delineation of responsibility among political actors regarding support for or obstruction of Montenegro’s EU aspirations, particularly as the nation approaches the final stages of negotiating several chapters.
As the political standoff continues, the implications of Milatovic’s actions are becoming clearer. Reports suggest that the decision to return the laws could delay the closure of at least three negotiation chapters with the EU, originally scheduled for March 2024. Sources from the European Commission have indicated that this situation may shift the entire timeline of Montenegro’s EU integration process, pushing back discussions by at least 60 days.
The impact of these developments is significant, as they directly affect the progress on three or four negotiation chapters that had met all technical and political criteria for consideration at the upcoming intergovernmental conference. Although the European Commission has refrained from publicly identifying specific chapters, the formal adoption of legislation is a critical precondition for further advancement.
Further clarification on the evolving dynamics of Montenegro’s EU negotiations is expected following Minister Gorčević’s upcoming working visit to Cyprus, where it is anticipated that the consequences of this political impasse will be more thoroughly addressed.
The current political climate in Montenegro underscores a critical juncture in its EU integration efforts, with stakeholders closely monitoring how these developments will unfold.
