Throughout history, Montenegro has always been at the crossroads of the interests of great powers. Its fate has often been the subject of political manipulation and geopolitical games. A small but proud state, Montenegro has often been left to its own devices, while foreign powers have fought for its influence and control. Montenegrins have always learned the hard way - through sacrifice, blood, a hard life and, unfortunately, often losing their own identity. Values such as freedom, humanity and heroism, for which our ancestors fought, are today in the shadow of political games, corruption and division. As we look at the contemporary political history of Montenegro, it becomes obvious that there are few who have sincerely worked in the interest of preserving the interests of the state. Apart from the Liberal Alliance and individuals from the once united SDP, it is difficult to find examples of a sincere struggle for the sovereignty and integrity of Montenegro.
The early 2000s witnessed the largest transfer of national wealth into private and tycoon hands. Almost all the most important state-owned companies, including mines, state monopolies, and industrial giants, were privatized under the pretext of modernization. Also, significant parts of valuable property throughout the country - from the coast to the mountainous regions - ended up in the hands of foreign investors or domestic tycoons. This process, called modernization and Europeanization, was in fact a cover for the plunder of national property. People were left without jobs, and the state without resources...
At the same time, a new social caste emerged, which took over the monopoly over Montenegrin identity. They positioned themselves as the only legitimate interpreters of Montenegrin patriotism, while labeling all those who did not share their opinion as traitors or enemies of the state. This monopoly on identity further polarized society. Let us recall all the attacks on free-thinking individuals, from members of the Liberal Party to independent journalists. At the same time, Serbian nationalism flourished, often encouraged from outside, but also from within. Its propagators used the dissatisfaction of the people to deepen divisions and strengthen their political influence. Almost all of those who propagated this type of politics were well paid for their services, while the supporters of their policies themselves were on the margins of society.
In addition, the political scene has been further fragmented by the emergence of minority leaders. Although Montenegro's multiethnic character is its asset, in practice many of these leaders have worked more in the interests of their home countries than in the interests of Montenegro itself. The result is deep social divisions, which further hinders any progress.
Even today, society lives in political blindness due to various manipulations and propaganda tricks that all of the structures mentioned in the text use to maintain political and economic power.
Today, Montenegro is governed by people who are full of European integration, while in practice they do the opposite. Just like the decision-makers of the past, their priorities are exclusively personal interests or serving other people's agendas.
The Prime Minister skillfully balances between two fires. He is always close to crossing the red line, but so far his European partners have been able to look the other way so that European integration can continue. Balancing to the detriment of the state itself is disastrous, but he is ready to make various compromises in order to survive politically.
The Speaker of the Parliament is openly loyal to Aleksandar Vučić, which is unthinkable for someone who is supposed to represent the independence of Montenegro, as he represents one of the most important figures in the country. Some ministers in the government are also loyal to Vučić, some of whom promote the interests of other countries under the guise of EU integration. For example, the Minister of Foreign Affairs symbolically made his first official visit to Ankara, sending a clear message about where his political and personal affiliations lie.
The president of the country with the greatest legitimacy was chosen by chance. In doing so, a greater majority voted against his opponent than for the current president himself.
Montenegrins, who should represent the spirit and historical pride of this country, have long had no place in decision-making institutions. Instead, there are all of the above, who are ready to sell all of Montenegro's values for their own interests.
These politicians often use EU rhetoric to justify their actions, while sabotaging key reforms. Corruption, nepotism, and loyalty to tycoons or foreign interests have become the main pillars of their rule. All of this further erodes citizens' trust in institutions and the future of the country.
The disappearance of Montenegro?
If we continue on this path, Montenegro, as our ancestors created and for which they died, can only become a historical footnote. The demographic picture of the country is getting worse every day. Young people are leaving in search of a better life, while political leaders are increasingly serving the interests of other countries or individuals instead of their own country. This is a formula that leads to the disappearance of the state - a country in which our ancestors are writhing in their graves because they saw that humanity and heroism became a mental noun for their descendants.
Long-term economic stagnation, deepening divisions and a lack of vision for the future further reinforce the feeling of hopelessness. Instead of being a leader in the region, Montenegro is becoming a puppet in the hands of more powerful states and their interests. This is the moment when we must ask ourselves - what is left of the idea of a free and independent Montenegro?
That's why I ask myself: Whose Montenegro is it today? It's a little bit ours. It's too much someone else's. It's up to us to decide whether it will remain that way. It's time to return to the basic values on which Montenegro was founded - humanity, heroism and the fight for justice. Only in this way can we ensure the survival of our country and revive its pride and dignity.
THAT IT IS ETERNAL!
The author is an economist
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