The political landscape in Montenegro has shifted dramatically as President Jakov Milatović announced the return of 27 laws to the parliament, a move that has ignited controversy and accusations of obstruction. This decision comes in response to the recent rejection of his candidate, Predrag Krstonijević, for a position on the Constitutional Court by the current parliamentary majority.
During a statement on social media platform X, Milatović emphasized the importance of allowing lawmakers time to thoroughly read the returned laws. He stated that European reforms require more than mere procedural approval in parliament; they demand substantive discussion and serious engagement. “European reforms do not mean formal compliance, but a responsible approach to lawmaking,” Milatović remarked.
The President’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from members of the ruling coalition and opposition alike. Abaz Dizdarević, a deputy and member of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), described this act as a form of revenge and a continuation of Milatović’s questionable motives. He claimed that rather than acting as a stabilizing force, Milatović is leveraging his constitutional powers for personal promotion and political obstruction.
In his comments, Dizdarević suggested that the President’s refusal to sign the laws is a direct response to his candidate’s rejection and reflects a desire to block the legislative process. He stated, “Milatović’s reactions are not principled but rather a direct attempt to obstruct the system to position himself as an unavoidable decision-maker.” This dynamic, he argued, places Montenegro’s European integration at risk, as the President’s actions serve to slow down necessary reforms.
The consequences of Milatović’s decision may be far-reaching. According to sources within the European Commission, this return of laws could potentially delay the closure of at least three negotiation chapters with the European Union, which were expected to be finalized by March 2024. This could significantly impact the timeline for Montenegro’s EU integration, pushing back discussions by at least 60 days.
Adding his voice to the discourse, Nik Đeljošaj, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, stated that the President’s actions represent a “serious and conscious institutional obstruction” of Montenegro’s European aspirations. He emphasized that the year ahead is crucial for the country’s European path and that the responsibilities of all parties involved must be clearly delineated.
The parliamentary procedure around the returned laws raises questions about the legislative process. According to the Constitution and parliamentary rules, the laws will not be debated but simply voted upon again. This has led to skepticism regarding Milatović’s claims about needing more time for review, especially since the European Commission had previously given the green light to these laws without amendments.
As Montenegro navigates this political turbulence, the implications of Milatović’s decision are becoming increasingly evident. The potential delay in closing negotiation chapters raises concerns not only about the current political climate but also about the future of Montenegro’s EU ambitions. With a summit of EU-Western Balkan leaders scheduled for June 2024 in Tivat, the stakes for the country are higher than ever.
In summary, the unfolding situation illustrates a complex interplay of political maneuvering and the pressing need for constructive dialogue in Montenegro as it seeks to advance towards EU integration.
