Veteran Montenegro PM Milo Djukanovic 'Will Quit'

Djukanovic is set to end 27 years as Montenegro's top politician after his Democratic Party of Socialists nominated his long-standing protégé, Dusko Markovic, as his potential successor on Tuesday evening, according to a statement from the party leadership. 

The move comes after the Democratic Party of Socialists scored yet another election victory on October 16 and follows months of intense speculation that Djukanovic was planning to step down. 

It also comes in the wake an alleged coup plot which Djukanovic claimed was organised by unnamed foreign powers to take over power in Montenegro. Suspects have been arrested in both Montenegro and Serbia.

The Democratic Party of Socialists said after a meeting of its leadership on Tuesday evening that it would nominate deputy prime minister Markovic for the premier's role if the party secures a majority in parliament.

"The dynamic of post-election activities and negotiations with the natural coalition partners of the DPS has been determined, which should lead to the rapid formation of the new government," the party's presidency said in a statement.

Markovic previously served as the head of the Montenegrin intelligence service and has been considered to be one of Djukanovic's closest allies for 20 years.

Local media reported that Djukanovic will remain the head of his party, but more details will become known after a meeting of the DPS's main board on Wednesday. 

At the elections on October 16, Djukanovic's party won 36 seats in the 81-seat parliament. If minority parties which ran independently in this election choose to join him, his DPS will be able to again form a government.

Djukanovic, who is still only 54 years old, has been in power as premier or president since 1991,...