Former Montenegrin Foreign Minister Miodrag Vlahovic has criticized the current political tactics employed by the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), particularly regarding the controversial naming of the Church of Serbia. Vlahovic argues that the party’s decision to avoid using the church’s official name is a strategic maneuver designed to manipulate public perception and diminish the credibility of the opposition.
In a post on social media platform X, Vlahovic described the DPS’s approach as a “second side of the political tactics coin” that seeks to undermine the opposition’s effectiveness. He emphasized that the party’s leadership, which promotes a motto of being “wise as serpents,” is attempting to distract citizens from their true concerns and urge them to wait for the next elections in 2027.
Vlahovic points out that this tactic significantly marginalizes potential political allies and positions them as “extremists.” He believes that the DPS is fixated on the possibility of reconciling with the opposition party, the Party of European Socialists (PES), to reestablish itself as a dominant force in Montenegrin politics. This fixation, he argues, is detrimental, as it overlooks the realities of both the internal political landscape and the broader regional context.
Critique of Opposition Dynamics
Vlahovic’s commentary further explores the implications of the DPS’s political maneuvers. He asserts that the ongoing fixation on opposition unity, promoted by the DPS, is not only unrealistic but also naive. Instead of fostering genuine political dialogue, he claims the ruling party continues to engage in tactics that stifle dissent and promote a singular narrative of “opposition unity.”
The former minister warns that failing to address these dynamics could lead to a stagnation of political progress in Montenegro. He questions whether the current DPS ideologues believe that imposing a consensus on naming conventions will genuinely bring them closer to the citizens who identify with the Church of Serbia.
Vlahovic also raises concerns about the potential consequences if the DPS remains the strongest opposition party after the 2027 elections. He argues that if the party continues its current trajectory, it may struggle to form coalitions, particularly with groups perceived as aligned with nationalist sentiments, such as the Bosniak parties. This scenario could exacerbate existing divisions and lead to further political isolation.
Call for Serious Dialogue
In conclusion, Vlahovic urges a reevaluation of the political tactics being employed by both the DPS and the opposition. He criticizes the prevailing attitude that dismisses criticism of the opposition as the “easiest” form of political engagement. Instead, he advocates for a more serious examination of the strategies being pursued and their implications for the future of Montenegrin democracy.
The former minister’s insights highlight the complex interplay of political maneuvering in Montenegro, where the stakes are high, and the implications of current decisions will resonate well beyond the upcoming elections. Vlahovic’s reflections serve as a reminder that navigating these turbulent waters requires not only strategic thinking but also a commitment to genuine dialogue and accountability.
