Montenegro’s parliament has appointed a new government, made up of a coalition of pro-European and pro-Serb parties. This coalition is expected to steer the small Balkan country towards joining the European Union (EU). Led by economist Milojko Spajic of the Europe Now Movement, the government will consist of 18 ministries and five deputy-prime ministers. It will include the pro-European Democrats, the pro-Serbian Socialist People’s Party, and five parties representing the Albanian minority.
Spajic outlined the government’s foreign policy priorities, which include EU membership, active and credible membership in NATO, improving relations with neighboring countries, and strengthening the country’s role in multilateral organizations. He also mentioned that economic policies will focus on improving the living standards of Montenegro’s population and implementing reforms to boost fiscal revenues, investment opportunities, the business climate, and judiciary.
After an overnight debate, the government received the support of 46 out of 81 deputies in parliament. In exchange for backing the cabinet, the pro-Serb and pro-Russia alliance For A Better Montenegro, led by Andrija Mandic, secured the position of parliament speaker and four ministerial posts following a government reshuffle scheduled for next year.
The World Bank predicts that Montenegro’s economy, heavily reliant on revenues from its Adriatic tourism sector, will grow by 4.8% in 2023. Montenegro joined NATO in 2017, a year after an unsuccessful coup attempt blamed by the government at that time on Russian agents and Serbian nationalists. Russia denied involvement, while the Serbian government also denied any participation.
Unlike Serbia, Montenegro joined EU sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine and provided aid to Ukraine. Montenegro also expelled several Russian diplomats. Russia has labeled Montenegro as an unfriendly state in response.
Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Robert Birsel
