August 2020, XNUMX is a date that marked the end of a political era and undeniably opened the door to democratic change in Montenegro. Today, five years later, our country still seems to live between hope and disappointment. This is a feeling that, I believe, most citizens carry, regardless of their political beliefs.
August 30th brought about a historic change and the overthrow of the decades-long political and interest-based regime of the Democratic Party of Socialists, but it also showed that political changes do not necessarily bring rapid progress and substantial changes in all areas. Time has confirmed that old patterns of action can survive and continue to be improved even with new actors.
For me, without a doubt, the most significant step forward that August 30th brought is the conquest of the freedom to openly say what we think, how we feel, and vote for whom we want, not whom we “have to”. Elections have finally ceased to be a matter of “life and death” and have become an opportunity to freely express political will. Almost all election cycles after that date have confirmed that our democracy has entered a more mature phase. Montenegro has stepped out of a pre-political society in which the regime seemed invincible. Today, each of us has greater democratic freedoms, and the space for public speech and media freedoms has been significantly expanded.
In the fight against crime and corruption, a crackdown was launched on mafia structures that, judging by the numerous criminal proceedings initiated against former officials, had support in the structures of the former government. Economic reforms were implemented in the interests of citizens, and not for privileged tycoons close to the regime: minimum pensions and salaries were increased and social benefits were introduced for children, the elderly and the most vulnerable, which essentially restored optimism to citizens in a better and more secure economic future. Important infrastructure projects were also completed, such as the first section of the Bar-Boljare highway and the Kotor-Lovćen cable car. But today it is clear to everyone: we must return the focus to the economy and implement reforms that will give every person the chance to live better and carefree.
Another achievement of August 30 is the general social acceptance and strengthening of the idea of the importance of the country's membership in the European Union and a credible alliance in the NATO alliance. We managed to break the blockade in European integration, we closed new chapters and set EU accession by 2028 as our main foreign policy goal. For us, the European Union is no longer a slogan used by the former regime to defend itself, it is for us a work action, every day and at every job. I do not agree that the Black The mountain stands still, because we have to hurry to the EU.
Domestically, the period after August 30th has seemingly brought more dialogue and understanding. Thus, issues of identity, language, and religion have become the subject of public debate without any one side having a monopoly on the truth. Important questions regarding dealing with the past have also been raised.
However, the legacy of August 30 also has its dark side. Political actors have continued to dominate all spheres of society. The strengthening of the political right and the focus on divisions are further burdening society. There is a lack of a sense of much-needed justice, while results in the judiciary are still not fast enough. For citizens, they seem to be stagnating.
The arrests of key figures in the Montenegrin judiciary and police, accused of the most serious crimes and corruption, point to a decades-long nexus between the state and crime that has not yet been fully broken. Unfortunately, the ambition of certain political actors to influence the judicial branch of government is noticeable. Political calculation, to the detriment of state interests, is particularly visible in the case of the election of judges to the Constitutional Court, which is why the full functionality of that institution has been questionable for years.
The legacy of August 30th also has its dark side. Political actors have continued to dominate all spheres of society. The strengthening of the political right and the focus on divisions are further burdening society.
Economic populism is stopping any attempt at healthy reform, while the lack of a clear policy and the decline in investment due to instability and tourism due to inadequate preparation are becoming an increasingly serious problem. Montenegro no longer has the luxury of politics concerned with itself, instead of dealing with what people feel: prices, salaries, working conditions... In conditions of rising inflation and global market challenges, our economy is like a leaf in the wind, left to the elements.
The bulky and overcrowded public sector inherited from the DPS has become even more bulky, and we are witnessing the continuation of the practices of political recruitment and mismanagement of state resources and enterprises. That is why we must continue our fight: professional managers instead of party card holders, 100% transparency and 0% corruption, that's the only way for citizens to trust the state.
Finally, perhaps most importantly, the issue of identity and social cohesion. The biggest defeat of August 30th was the events that showed that the civic and anti-fascist values of Montenegrin society are increasingly being questioned by certain political actors. For me it is clearly: Montenegro is not a simple collection of ethnic communities, but a society of free citizens who share common values and cherish national, cultural and religious particularities. I do not accept that the interests of Montenegro be replaced by a "buffet", from which political elites take what is in the function of realizing their particular and individual interests. Antifascism, a civic concept state and European values must remain the pillars on which we build common future.
In this situation, the question arises: how to proceed? How to preserve the most positive that August 30th brought about and make that truly qualitative step forward? The answer to this question will depend solely on whether we as a society have matured enough to seize the opportunity and become the 2028th member of the EU by 28. We have a clear goal ahead of us and a little less than three years to clarify this dilemma. From this time distance, it is clear that August 30th was not the end of the road, but only the beginning. It showed that change is possible, but also that democracy requires much more than just the change of government, that it requires the building of institutions, responsibility and precise plans. Our mission is simple: to restore trust in politics and give power back to the citizens.. That politics serves all citizens, not just partiesThat people should elect people, not party symbols.
So that August 30th does not remain just a milestone of years that, as in Borislav Pekić's novel, were "eaten by locusts", Montenegro must continue to truly change and progress. We must become a responsible society, based on the responsibility of every person. We must reform the system and create institutions, but we can only succeed with responsible people who will offer clear and sustainable solutions:
First, depoliticize public administration and state-owned enterprises - professional people instead of party cadres.
Another, sustainable economic development as a constant that rests on four pillars: agriculture, energy, IT and tourism.
Third, an honest fight for justice and laws that apply equally to all.
Fourth, overcoming divisions and building civic identity.
Breastplate, clear foreign policy orientation: regional cooperation, the EU and NATO, as a guarantor of stability and development.
August 2020, XNUMX remains one of the greatest democratic steps forward for contemporary Montenegro. For the sake of all of us and the future of generations to come, I want to believe that we are wise enough to recognize the importance of this moment, and that the time has come for new historical milestones. That's why I call on everyone: let's Let's finish the job. Let's welcome August 30, 2028 as citizens of the state. members of the European Union, our and European Montenegro.
The author is the President of Montenegro
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