The choice of freedom, the choice of responsibility for a state of knowledge and dignity

The date May 21, 2006 is engraved in my memory as one of the happiest days of my social life - the day when Montenegro gained independence, a day of excitement, hope and promise. The next morning, still under the euphoria, I held an education for teachers in the hotel "Crna Gora" at the time, expecting that the energy voted in the referendum would immediately turn into mass engagement for building the state with knowledge. Instead, the hall was half empty. The sight—the empty seats before me, the non-response of those most in need of investment in knowledge—wasn't just a disappointment; was the first break. At that moment, I felt the enthusiasm of independence hit the wall of passivity and short-term interests. I also talked about the fact that we still need to build a country with knowledge - together - and such moments cannot be delayed. The absence of participants seemed to me at the time as an ominous sign - a harbinger of opportunities we would miss and a trajectory that, as would become apparent in the coming decades, took us further away from the promise of a decent and just state.

Today, two decades later, that emptiness in the hall seems like a prophecy to me. Instead of using the first free years for systematic investment in education, public services and civic culture, we have let a million opportunities pass. We have not become the country that many, in numbers 55.5% of citizens, dreamed of - decent, just, orderly. Not because the doors to the outside world are closed to us; the fault lies with our authorities, but also with all of us who have too often accepted the dominance of particular interests over the common good. And, as we know, the common good requires that policies cross ethnic and party lines: it requires investments in education, health and social infrastructure that must be visible and accessible to everyone. EU integration should be a means to improve standards and the rule of law, not a goal that replaces real reforms. Local self-government and civic engagement should be strengthened so that decisions are made closer to citizens and in the interest of the community.

The common good is not an abstract ideal - it is practical policies and institutions that enable people to live in dignity. This requires political will, civic responsibility and long-term investment in knowledge, justice and solidarity.

The responsibility lies with all governments - those that led us then and those that govern us today. Closing negotiation chapters with the European Union does not necessarily mean internal progress. Bureaucracy can fulfill the formalities, but this does not guarantee that we have become a society of equal opportunities, respect for rights and institutions that work for citizens, not for parties. Today's government often pursues policies that seem oriented more towards the ceremonial "marking" of the European path than towards real progress in people's lives. Joining the EU must not be just a trophy on the political path - it must be a means to achieve a better life for all citizens of Montenegro.

Another happy date in my social life was August 30, 2020. However, the peaceful change of government after thirty years of domination by one political group has unfortunately turned into a temptation and disappointment. Instead of the transformation of government bringing a broader consensus, the development of civic awareness and more responsible politics, we are witnessing further polarization: citizens are increasingly becoming “marked” with a national prefix, and political parties count and nurture voters according to ethnic, national or confessional keys. Such an approach sows division and weakens social cohesion - a prerequisite for every modern state.

It should be made clear: politics that only counts on “its” voters and that sorts people into national areas does not build a state for everyone. It destroys social norms, undermines trust in institutions and leaves generations without real opportunities. Montenegro can and must do things differently. It is necessary to return the focus to education, to job creation, to efficient public administration and independent institutions that protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of origin.

This anniversary - twenty years of independence - is an opportunity for honest reflection, but also for a new beginning. Let us celebrate the achievement that brought us freedom of choice, but let us reject the illusion that form is enough. We must not be satisfied with symbols, we must build substance. We need politics that will put people before party interests, that will invest in knowledge, in infrastructure and social capital, and that will encourage civic responsibility.

I call on everyone - the government, the opposition, educational institutions, the civil sector and citizens - to renew our shared vision together: Montenegro as a country of equal opportunities, respect, security and dignity for each of its inhabitants. Let the glow of May 21st remind us that we have already chosen freedom once. Today is the time to choose responsibility, knowledge and solidarity. Only in this way can independence gain its true meaning - not as a date on the calendar, but as a life reality in which every child, every worker and every family has a chance to progress. That it is now just a date on the calendar for celebrating a holiday is also evidenced by the fact that three mayors have announced that they do not intend to organize celebrations in their municipalities - it seems that their will is stronger than the will of the citizens.

Many chances have been missed to make this anniversary a joy for all citizens of Montenegro - to all contribute through the activities of the non-governmental sector, cultural institutions, in activities that municipalities would design and implement. In this way, we continue to wander and depend on the will and taste of those who pay for it.

Despite numerous missed opportunities, we must and will move forward, and therefore - long live a free, just and dignified Montenegro - a country in which we will be able to live proudly.

The author is a university professor.