UPDATE: Former member of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Nikola Janović has just announced his intention to potentially form an independent political platform amid rising tensions in Montenegro. During an interview on “Načisto” aired on October 5, 2023, Janović expressed that he has diverged from the party’s positions over recent months, emphasizing his commitment to continue his political career as an independent opposition member.
Janović’s statement comes at a critical time, as Montenegro grapples with internal divisions and foreign influence. He highlighted the need for a new direction in Montenegrin politics, stating, “I have said all I needed to say while in the party.” This shift could have significant implications for the political landscape in Montenegro, especially as he considers launching his own platform in the future.
In the same broadcast, Miodrag Laković, Chair of the Assembly’s Security and Defense Committee, addressed the troubling possibility of foreign intelligence services meddling in Montenegrin affairs. He referenced a recent incident in the village of Gornje Zaostro, where a monument to war criminal Pavle Đurišić was erected, suggesting that such events might be orchestrated to destabilize the country.
“Foreign services exploit crises in Montenegrin society,” Laković stated, noting the recent unrest in the Zabjelo neighborhood of Podgorica as a potential example of this interference.
Further complicating the situation, Nikola Zirojević from the Social Democrats echoed Laković’s concerns, suggesting that the involvement of the Serbian secret service, the Security Information Agency (BIA), could be behind the incidents surrounding the monument and the unrest in Zabjelo. Zirojević urged swift action, sharing critical findings with the Committee on Security and Defense.
Janović also commented on Montenegro’s vulnerability to foreign influence due to its geostrategic position and internal divisions, labeling it a prime candidate for malign foreign impact. “Montenegro is certainly under the influence of foreign powers,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for stronger national integrity.
On local issues, Laković discussed the environmental protests in Botun regarding the construction of a wastewater treatment facility. He acknowledged that while some residents are genuinely concerned about environmental preservation, others are using the situation to create political instability. “Those acting against the construction project are directly opposing Montenegro’s national interests,” he stated.
Zirojević added that the debate over the wastewater treatment facility has become heavily politicized, with officials prioritizing party agendas over the nation’s welfare. Janović criticized the ruling politicians for behaving as though they are leading parties rather than the state, claiming they continuously pander to their electoral base.
As Montenegro navigates these complex political waters, all eyes will be on Janović and his potential new platform. With his recent statements, the former DPS member may be poised to reshape opposition dynamics, and the upcoming weeks could reveal significant developments in Montenegrin politics.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and more information comes to light regarding Janović’s political ambitions and the broader implications for Montenegro.
