Ivan Vuković, the Vice President and Member of Parliament from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), has publicly criticized Andrija Mandic, the Speaker of the Parliament, for raising the issue of controversial constitutional changes at a politically sensitive time. Vuković’s remarks come shortly after Montenegro received support to close five additional chapters in its ongoing process of European Union (EU) accession.
On December 15, 2025, Vuković took to social media platform X to express his concerns about Mandic’s call to adjust the current Constitution to reflect contemporary realities and to alter the status of the Serbian language. He characterized these proposed changes as highly divisive, aimed at instigating political tensions when the country cannot afford any disruption.
Political Climate in Montenegro
Vuković emphasized the significance of the timing of Mandic’s statements, stating, “Merely a day after Montenegro’s got support to close five more chapters in the process of EU accession, Speaker of the Parliament brings up the topic of constitutional changes—controversial, highly divisive, aimed at creating political tensions just when we cannot afford any.” This remark underscores the delicate balance Montenegro must maintain as it navigates its EU integration efforts.
The backdrop of these developments is crucial, as Montenegro has been working diligently to align with EU standards, which requires significant legislative and constitutional reforms. The recent support from the EU, seen as a positive step forward, could be undermined by internal political disputes that arise from the proposed changes.
Vuković’s response highlights a growing concern among some political figures in Montenegro regarding the implications of shifting the Constitution and revising the status of the Serbian language. While supporters of the changes argue for modernization and inclusivity, opponents warn that such moves could exacerbate existing divisions within the country.
Implications for EU Accession
As Montenegro seeks to strengthen its ties with the EU, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges. The proposed constitutional changes could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s unity and its aspirations for EU membership. Vuković’s critique reflects a cautionary approach, urging leaders to prioritize stability and consensus over controversial legislative changes.
The ongoing dialogue around these constitutional amendments will likely shape the political discourse in Montenegro as the country continues its journey towards EU integration. Stakeholders from various sectors will be watching closely to assess how these developments unfold and what impact they may have on Montenegro’s future.
