Elvir Zvrko, a member of the Presidency of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) in Montenegro, has publicly disagreed with fellow parliamentarian Kenan Strujić-Harbić regarding recent statements about national identity and statehood. Zvrko expressed his concerns during a press release, stating that he believes Strujić-Harbić’s comments deviate from the constitutional order of Montenegro.
Zvrko specifically addressed remarks made by Strujić-Harbić that characterized Bosniaks as a community whose motherland is Bosnia and Herzegovina, while referring to Montenegro merely as a “state and homeland.” He argued that such characterizations not only misrepresent the concept of a motherland but also carry harmful implications for national unity.
Constitutional Framework and Identity
According to Zvrko, Montenegro is constitutionally defined as a civic state, representing all its citizens regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. He emphasized that in a modern legal framework, the term “motherland” should be determined solely based on citizenship rather than ethnic, cultural, or emotional affiliations. Therefore, he stated, for every citizen of Montenegro, regardless of nationality, the only motherland is Montenegro itself.
Zvrko criticized the notion of “external motherlands” as a direct deviation from the fundamental principles of equality and sovereignty guaranteed by the Constitution. He argued that such discourse undermines interethnic trust and opens avenues for ethnofederal interpretations of political processes, suggesting loyalties to political centers outside of Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica.
Promoting Stability and Unity
Highlighting the richness of Montenegro’s cultural identity, tradition, and heritage, Zvrko asserted that while identity can be multifaceted, citizenship remains singular. He pointed out that the constitutional position of a citizen cannot be subjected to division or ambiguous interpretations by any political party.
In his concluding remarks, Zvrko called on all political actors to strengthen, rather than undermine, the stability, interethnic harmony, and constitutional integrity of Montenegro. He urged for a unified approach that respects the diverse identities within the nation while maintaining a strong civic foundation.
Zvrko’s statements reflect ongoing discussions in Montenegro regarding national identity, citizenship, and the importance of fostering unity in a diverse society.
