Vlahovic Critiques Government Amid Political Turmoil in Montenegro

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miodrag Vlahovic, has publicly criticized the current Montenegrin government, expressing his concerns over its handling of various issues. In a recent post on social media platform X, he highlighted the government’s failure to address pressing national crises while the opposition seems more focused on political gestures than substantive action.

Vlahovic specifically pointed to the government’s decision to abruptly end the visa-free regime with Turkiye following an alleged attack involving unidentified Azerbaijani individuals. He described this move as hasty and detrimental to Montenegro’s international standing. According to Vlahovic, while the government faces significant challenges, European bureaucrats continue to endorse what he termed the “progress of Montenegro,” despite the nation being in turmoil.

Political Dynamics and Opposition Role

The former diplomat criticized the opposition, suggesting that they are not demanding the government’s resignation despite the ongoing difficulties. He stated, “They are waiting for Micko to train responses in Parliament,” implying a lack of initiative and urgency among opposition leaders. Vlahovic’s comments reflect a growing frustration with the current political landscape in Montenegro, where he feels that both the ruling party and the opposition are failing to meet the demands of the citizens.

Vlahovic also commented on the government’s foreign policy strategy, mocking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for crafting a “three-year strategy” for 2026-2029. He described this as an unusual approach, questioning the practicality and effectiveness of such long-term planning in the face of immediate crises. He noted that the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan while maintaining silence on pressing domestic issues.

Critique of Diplomatic Efforts

In his remarks, Vlahovic highlighted the disconnect between Montenegrin diplomats and the realities facing the country. He remarked on the praise given by Johan Satler, the EU ambassador, for Montenegro’s anti-fascist values while local leaders, such as the mayor of Niksic, appear to misinterpret diplomatic compliments. This misalignment, according to Vlahovic, reflects a broader issue of governance where critical discussions are sidelined.

Vlahovic’s commentary also touches upon the role of independent journalists in Montenegro, whom he believes are overlooked in favor of superficial narratives. He accused the media of failing to adequately address significant political developments, stating that important processes are often ignored with the phrase, “it is not yet the time for that.”

The former minister’s frustrations underscore a critical period in Montenegrin politics, where many citizens feel disillusioned with both the government and the opposition. His remarks resonate with those who demand accountability and transparency from their leaders in these challenging times.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the call for a more proactive and engaged opposition remains a topic of significant importance in Montenegro’s ongoing political discourse.