UPDATE: Milorad Popović, a prominent Montenegrin writer, warns that the spirit of nationalism that ignited conflicts in the 1990s is dangerously resurging in Montenegro. In a recent interview with “Slobodna Bosna,” Popović expressed his shame over the current regime, describing it as dominated by chauvinists and incompetent leaders.
Popović’s comments come in the wake of a shocking video where the mayor of Pljevlja, a member of the pro-Russian ruling party, openly insulted citizens of Bosniak descent. He emphasized that the political climate in Montenegro is alarming to anyone familiar with the historical tensions between Montenegrins and Serbs.
“Since the assassination attempt on King Nikola in 1907, a war has persisted between supporters of a ‘Greater Serbia’ and the Montenegrin people fighting for their survival,” Popović stated. He emphasized that Serbian nationalism, akin to Russian nationalism, seeks to dominate other nations, a sentiment he argues has led to atrocities in the region.
Popović remarked that the challenges faced by Bosniaks and Albanians in Montenegro echo those experienced by Montenegrins during the 1990s. He believes these communities are now among the most vulnerable, manipulated by local leaders for personal gain.
He criticized the current regime in Podgorica, led by Andrija Mandić, labeling it as merely using minority groups to feign democracy. Popović’s call for a united stand against such manipulation is urgent, as he fears for the future of a diverse Montenegro.
“Political repression has reached alarming levels, with the regime targeting opposition figures and dissenters,” he warned. “Crna Gora today is reminiscent of Colombia in the 1980s, where the lines between state institutions and criminal organizations are blurred.”
With Montenegro’s aspirations for EU membership hanging in the balance, Popović cautions that the current political trajectory could undermine its sovereignty and stability. He urges all Montenegrins to unite against the threats of nationalism and authoritarianism, stressing that silence in the face of oppression is dangerously counterproductive.
The writer’s alarming assessment resonates amidst growing concerns about the political landscape in the Balkans. As tensions escalate, observers are left questioning whether Montenegro can maintain its delicate balance of multiculturalism or if it will succumb to the forces of nationalism that have historically plagued the region.
Next Steps: Popović calls for a proactive response from civil society and regional leaders to safeguard the future of Montenegro. He believes that the time is now for the people to mobilize, defend their constitutional values, and reclaim their nation from the grips of extremism.
With the specter of the 1990s looming large, the urgency for change is palpable, and the world watches closely as Montenegro navigates this critical juncture.
