Đonović Urges End to Political Conflict Amid Upcoming Protests

Publicist and analyst Ranko Đonović has called for an end to the ongoing political conflict between former Prime Minister Duško Marković and members of his former party, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS). He emphasized the importance of unity as preparations escalate for upcoming protests across Montenegro, which aim to reflect the broader European aspirations of the country.

Đonović stated that the planned gatherings will not merely serve as party rallies but will represent a collective vision for a European Montenegro, akin to the Liberal Alliance’s efforts from 35 years ago. He expressed confidence in the potential and energy within Montenegro to pursue this European perspective, but cautioned against allowing “petty political tricksters,” including Dritan Abazović, Milojko Spajić, and Aleksa Bečić, to manipulate the situation for their gain.

In an interview with the daily newspaper Pobjeda, Đonović described the current actions of Montenegro’s opposition as appropriate given the circumstances. He stressed that democratic means are the only viable way to effect change against the “catastrophic” government in power.

The president of DPS, Danijel Živković, announced last week that the party will not limit its efforts to institutional opposition but is also organizing protest rallies nationwide. Đonović remarked on the recent protests following the elections, acknowledging their relative success while suggesting that there is room for improvement in future demonstrations.

He reiterated that these upcoming protests will encapsulate a vision for a European Montenegro, rejecting the notion that they will solely represent the interests of one party. “Montenegro possesses the potential and energy for such an endeavor,” he stated, while urging caution to prevent unscrupulous politicians from jeopardizing both the country’s future and its citizens’ destinies.

When asked about the recent public disputes between Marković and Živković, Đonović noted that the reasons behind their split remain unclear, even to the broader Montenegrin public. “At least the valid reason for this division is unknown,” he said, highlighting that personal grievances often lead to significant political fallout.

He added that the dynamics of political engagement in Montenegro for nearly four decades have shown that politics can easily transform former allies into adversaries.

In conclusion, Đonović proposed that the best outcome for both parties would be to cease hostilities, thereby preventing any further deterioration of their once amicable relationship. This, he argued, would serve to benefit neither their own interests nor those of Montenegro’s adversaries.

The recent tensions culminated when Živković criticized Marković for attempting to “cleanse his conscience” regarding his prior affiliation with the strongest opposition party. During a press conference in the Montenegrin Parliament, Živković referenced Marković’s remarks about Abazović, claiming he received the opportunity to sign the Fundamental Agreement thanks to the minority support of the DPS.

Marković, in a recent interview, asserted that Abazović’s agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church was facilitated by the DPS, which had backed his minority government. “Dritan Abazović signed the so-called Fundamental Agreement because it was made possible by the DPS, which supported his minority government,” Marković stated, underscoring the interconnected nature of their political decisions.

As Montenegro navigates this complex political landscape, the implications of these conflicts and ongoing protests remain to be seen, with citizens eagerly awaiting the outcomes of both the demonstrations and the evolving relationships among key political figures.