Montenegro
Montenegro performs in the mid-range across all Global State of Democracy (GSoD) categories of democracy. Between 2018-2023, the country saw a significant increase in Credible Elections, Effective Parliament, Elected Government, Free Political Parties, as well as Social Group Equality. It scores in the top 25 per cent of countries in Electoral Participation, Political Equality, Basic Welfare and Personal Integrity and Security. Montenegro is an upper-middle-income country, with an open and service-oriented economy. It is highly dependent on tourism.
The first Montenegrin dynasty was formed in the 11th century after fighting against the Byzantine Empire. Parts of the territory remained divided between Ottoman and Venetian control between the 15th to 20th centuries. Montenegro was annexed by Serbia in 1918 and subsequently became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After World War II Montenegro joined communist Yugoslavia. Following its breakup in the 1990s, Montenegro formed a union with Serbia which lasted until 2006 when Montenegro declared its independence. Montenegro was relatively untouched by fighting in the ethnic conflicts which precipitated Yugoslavia’s collapse and is today a diverse country. It is home to Montenegrins (41%), Serbs (33%), Bosniaks (9%), Albanians (5%), and other smaller groups. While inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations are generally peaceful, concerns remain among minorities surrounding discrimination and the possibility of inter-ethnic violence. In contemporary Montenegro, the most visible religious conflict exists between the Montenegrin and Serbian Orthodox churches, which refuse to recognize each other’s legitimacy, and both claim ownership of many of the same religious sites.
The Democratic Party of Socialists (the successors of the Yugoslav communists) has dominated the political scene since 1992, losing power for the first time in 2020. In general, political competition in Montenegro has mainly unfolded between a Euro-Atlantic, Montenegrin nationalist, center-left block, and a center-right grouping that has traditionally favoured close relations with Serbia and Russia and a strong role for the Serbian Orthodox Church. This has resulted in an alleged coup attempt linked to members of the Russian-aligned opposition, and major protests concerning the state’s treatment of the Serbian Orthodox Church assets and proposed revisions to the law on citizenship.
In parallel to recent political instability, Montenegro also faces challenges with the rule of law, judicial independence, corruption and organized crime. This issue is exemplified by ongoing problems related to illicit business arrangements involving top officials. In 2021, the Pandora Papers investigation revealed that high-level politicians had established offshore trusts in the British Virgin Islands. However, in recent years the country has drafted more comprehensive anti-corruption legislation and frameworks to combat this issue and to progressively harmonize with EU standards. Despite this, corruption and instability had lingering effects on the economy, also triggering brain drain. Cost of living, unemployment and corruption remain the top concerns for citizens in 2024.
GSoD Indices data show that Montenegro performs in the mid-range in Gender Equality. Despite gradual progress, patriarchal values and customary norms persist, violence against women remains widespread and the authorities’ response is often questionable. Women hold only 27 per cent of the parliamentary seats and violence against women in politics is widespread. LGBTQIA+ community faces discrimination in the workplace and exposure to hate speech and crimes. Same-sex unions are legal as of 2021.
Looking ahead, it will be important to watch Rule of Law, particularly Judicial Independence and Absence of Corruption as the country begins the implementation of the Strategy for the Fight against Corruption (2024-2028). Given the ongoing brain drain and the challenges with unemployment and economy, close attention should also be paid to Economic Equality.
Last updated: November 2024
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November 2024
High Court sentences former Supreme Court President for abuse of office
The High Court in Podgorica sentenced the former President of the Supreme Court, Vesna Medenica, to six months in prison for abuse of office. The High Court ruled that Medenica had permitted a Basic Court judge, Milosav Zekić, to remain in office and avoid temporary suspension, despite Zekić’s criminal proceedings for allegations of causing physical injuries. Medenica, Supreme Court President since 2007, resigned in December 2020 after criticism by the European Commission and civil society over her third term, despite a two-term limit. Medenica was also accused of abuse of power and arrested in 2022 after transcripts revealed her son's involvement in drug and cigarette smuggling, with claims she was complicit. She was released after six-and-a-half months in custody to defend herself. In November, the Judicial Council elected Valentina Pavlicic as the new President, filling the post which had been vacant since 2020.
Sources: Cafe del Montenegro, Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2), Balkan Insight (3), Vijesti, European Western Balkans
January 2024
Parliament appoints Supreme State Prosecutor
The parliament appointed legal expert Milorad Markovic as the new Supreme State Prosecutor, filling a position that had been temporarily handled by three interim prosecutors since June 2021. Markovic was elected with the votes of both ruling and opposition parties. The appointment of the State Prosecutor was among the conditions outlined to accelerate reforms for EU membership, and was highlighted in the 2023 EU progress report.
Sources: Balkan Insight, European Western Balkans (1), European Western Balkans (2), Parliament of Montenegro, European Commission
June 2023
Europe Now Movement wins snap parliamentary elections
The centrist Europe Now Movement has come first in the snap parliamentary elections, winning 25.5 per cent of the vote. These are the first elections in 30 years in which Milo Đukanović, the longest-ruling leader in contemporary Europe has not participated (following his loss in presidential elections in April). Đukanović held key positions for over 31 years, including as a president and prime minister. The coalition led by his party, the Democratic Party of Socialists, received 23.2 per cent of the vote, while the pro-Serbian electoral alliance “For the Future of Montenegro” garnered 14.7 per cent. Outgoing Prime Minister Dritan Abazović’s green-conservative coalition of United Reform Action and Democratic Montenegro won 12.5 per cent of the vote. The party has promised reforms on EU membership and the economy, including increases in average wages. International observers deemed the elections well-run, but emphasized the need for electoral reforms due to gaps and inconsistencies on the election law, which has not been updated since 2014. Voter turnout was the lowest since 1990, dropping to 56.3 per cent, a notable decrease from 76.7 per cent in 2020.
Sources: Vijesti, Državna izborna komisija (State Election Commission), Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2), Euronews, OSCE ODIHR, International IDEA
April 2023
Landmark presidential runoff: Longstanding Đukanović suffers defeat from novice Milatović
Jakov Milatović of the Europe Now movement has won the presidential runoff election in Montenegro with 60 per cent of the vote, defeating longstanding incumbent Milo Đukanović, who has been a key actor in Montenegro’s politics for more than three decades, including as a prime minister and as a president. Although the presidency is a largely ceremonial position in Montenegro, the results signal the boost of Milatović’s center-right movement ahead of June’s parliamentary elections. Milatović, a former economy minister, campaigned on an anti-corruption and EU membership platform. Milatović received support from parties close to Serbia, Russia and the Orthodox Church. Voter turnout was 70.1 per cent, a record high as compared to other previous presidential elections. The turnout in the 2018 elections was 63.9 per cent.
Sources: Euronews, Politico, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Deutsche Welle International IDEA, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
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