Aleksa Bečić

An opposition bloc led by the Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, which was swept from power in 2020 after three decades of uninterrupted rule, came second with 23.8 per cent of votes.

Europe Now candidate Jakov Milatovic casts his ballot during the first round of presidential elections in Podgorica. Photo: EPA-EFE/BORIS PEJOVIC

Presidential candidates Andrija Mandic and Milo Djukanovic billboards in Podgorica, Montenegro. Photo: BIRN/Samir Kajosevic

The man who called for protests was detained last night, but was released without delay after the prosecutor stated that there were no elements of a crime in the procedure.
Democrats, however, warn that Abazovic is abusing his position, trying to intimidate citizens.

Parliament speaker Aleksa Becic (left) at a session in Podgorica. Photo: Parliament of Montenegro

Meanwhile, the other two blocs in government announced protests if a new government is formed with the opposition Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS.

Montenegro's Deputy MP Dritan Abazovic (right) and Vanja Calovic Markovic (left) at a press conference in Podgorica. Photo: Government of Montenegro

Montenegrin parliament session in Podgorica. Photo: Parliament of Montenegro

One of the Democratic Front leaders, Andrija Mandic, on Thursday said the current crisis should be solved within the ruling majority, warning that the opposition and former ruling Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, shouldn't be allowed back into control.

Montenegrin parliament speaker Aleksa Becic and ruling majority MPs in Cetinje. Photo: Parliament of Montenegro

Brdo pri Kranju – Parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič hosted a meeting of parliamentary speakers from the Western Balkans on Monday, saying that the EU must give the region a clear signal on when it could expect EU accession. The speakers of the Serbian and Montenegrin parliaments also called for more clarity regarding the EU enlargement.

Boiling Point

Montenegrin parliament speaker Aleksa Becic (left) and Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic. Photo: Government of Montenegro