Pro-Serbian new political new president of Montenegro – Djukanovic era is coming to an end

The candidate of the new party “Europe Now!”, Jakov Milatovic, has clearly won the presidential elections in Montenegro. According to election researchers, the political newcomer, who is backed by the pro-Serb camp, won 59 to 60 percent of voters in Sunday’s runoff. The pro-Western incumbent party Milo Djukanovic had to settle for 40 to 41 percent of the vote.

In Montenegro, this marks the end of an era that lasted more than three decades in which Djukanovic largely dominated the politics of the small Balkan country on the Adriatic Sea. The 61-year-old led the former Yugoslav republic to independence in 2006 and NATO in 2017. At the same time, his rule was repeatedly overshadowed by corruption, cronyism and close ties to organized crime.

The outvoted president congratulated his successor on election night. “The result is what it is, and sometimes you lose elections,” he told supporters in Podgorica. Preserving a civil, multi-ethnic Montenegro remains his vocation.

Milatovic was greeted by supporters at the headquarters of “Europe Now!” celebrating, who shouted in unison: «Milo (Djukanovic), it’s over!». “This victory will change Montenegro,” said the election winner. Crime and corruption will no longer exist in the country’s politics. The road to Europe remains the priority.

The failed incumbent entered the second round two weeks ago with the most votes from the first round, but was not considered a favourite. For his challenger Milatovic supported the entire pro-Serbian camp, which had started with several candidates in the first round.

Among them was the openly pro-Russian and pro-Serbian Democratic Front (DF). Its chairman Andrija Mandic finished in third place in the first round. During Milatovic’s election night speech, he stood right next to him.

In the highly polarized political climate, the electorate needed new and fresh people. That favored 36-year-old Milatovic, who is close to the Serbian Orthodox Church, which is governed from Belgrade. He served as economy minister in the short-lived pro-Serbian government that served from December 2020 to April 2021.

After the end of this cabinet, he and others founded the new party Europe Now! of which he is vice-chairman. The party is committed to the country’s intended accession to the EU, but at the same time stands for close ties with Serbia.

With the loss of the presidency, Djukanovic leaves the last position of power that was left to him. More than two years ago, his DPS party was defeated in parliamentary elections by a coalition of pro-Serb and reform parties.

In Montenegro, the president, who is elected for five years, has only protocol powers. However, in times of crisis, these can be upgraded. The largely pro-Serbian governments formed after 2020 proved unstable. As a result, Djukanovic dissolved parliament three days before the first round of the presidential election. At the same time, he called new elections for June 11.

The move was considered controversial. However, parliament was unable to choose a successor to Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic, who was removed from power last August by a vote of no confidence. He is still in office today at the head of an acting government.

Observers say Djukanovic’s departure could change the country’s foreign policy orientation, as pro-Serb forces are likely to dominate June parliamentary elections. In the period up to 2020, Montenegro has been a pioneer among Western Balkan countries in terms of rapprochement with the EU. Future pro-Serbian coalitions are unlikely to turn their backs on the EU. At the same time, however, they could slow down EU integration through closer ties with neighboring Serbia, which is unwilling to reform. (sda/dpa)