Splitting a party is an impossible mission, because a party in power that fights against organized crime, and which, in addition, does not have a single stain on its political face, not a single prosecuted, corrupt or criminalized official, cannot be split by individuals in the parties, but only by the mafia. .
This is what the deputy and general secretary of the Democrats told "Vijesti". Boris Bogdanovic, answering the question of how serious are the disagreements in that party and whether it will result in a split.
In an interview conducted by e-mail, he did not directly answer the question of whether the Democrats will vote for the dismissal of the Minister of Justice. Andrej Milović, he already said that there should be room for additional clarifications, "especially in a situation where Milović claims that the attack on the security sector and the bravest people in it was a planned and coordinated plan by several accomplices".
Bogdanović stated, among other things, that the Democrats are not afraid of the prime minister Milojko Spajic to exclude from the cabinet, and especially not to replace them "of the party of the defeated system".
"Our agreement is clear and does not recognize BS (Bosniak Party) as a constituent of the government, as well as DPS (Democratic Party of Socialists)...", he said.
The Democrats, after Aleksandar Radović was elected acting chief of police at the Prime Minister's proposal, pledged their support to the Government until receiving the Report on Fulfillment of Temporary Benchmarks (IBAR), which is expected by the end of the month. You announced that after that you will make a thorough analysis of the relationship between the signatories of the power agreement, and decide whether you will remain part of it. What are you closer to - staying in the government or leaving it?
We look forward to receiving the IBAR, because a lot of effort has been put in by all members of the Government to meet the temporary standards. I would like to emphasize the significant contribution of the security sector, specifically the Ministry of Internal Affairs, then the Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Internal Policy, European and Foreign Affairs, Mr. (Alex) Bečić, as well as the Ministry of Culture and Media, who did a tremendous job...
I remind you that at the session held twenty days ago, the Main Board (GO) unanimously concluded that it affirms the excellent results of the new government, which resulted in the unblocking and dynamization of the European path, emphasizing that European integration, i.e. obtaining IBAR in the middle of the year and closing several chapters by at the end of the year, with the continuation of the determined fight against crime and corruption, the greatest national interest to which the members of the Government from the Democrats are strongly committed and contribute greatly. So these are the current positions of the Democrats in an environment of better inter-coalition relations than they were during March, but with continuous monitoring and analysis of existing and possibly new political circumstances.
Are you satisfied with the results of the Assembly and the Government so far? What do you think they should have done and didn't?
I am extremely satisfied with the results of the Assembly and the Government so far. We managed to make significant progress in key areas, including the appointment of judges of the Constitutional Court, members of the Judicial Council, the Governor of the Central Bank, and the election of the Supreme State Prosecutor. These achievements represent a milestone that until recently seemed like a distant dream.
In the field of fighting against organized crime and corruption, notable results have been achieved. The former directors of the Police Directorate, the former assistant director were arrested and prosecuted Zoran Lazovic, former Chief Special Prosecutor Milivoje Katnic, and high-ranking drug cartel members, but also those who are accused by the authorities of being the top of the pyramid in cigarette smuggling. Numerous heads of organized crime groups, more than 50 other members of criminal organizations and dozens of police officers were brought to justice. Security problems were identified for 44 police officers, over 100 internal controls were carried out, and 33 more are currently in progress. Over 800 kilograms of narcotic drugs and 185.000 packs of cigarettes were seized, the value of which reaches an incredible 175 million euros. These results are the pride of all of us and a testimony to our commitment to fairness and safety.
We haven't done much, but I expect that the stability of the government will allow us to finish what we started.
Will there be a reorganization of the Government and have you discussed it with the Prime Minister?
The agreement we concluded with the constituents of the parliamentary majority clearly defines and elaborates in detail the process of reconstruction, i.e. expansion of the Government. In this context, the Prime Minister has the authority to propose candidates for members of the Government from among the parties that signed the agreement in accordance with the agreement.
I consider it important to point out that the agreement does not provide for the expansion of the parliamentary majority, but only of the executive power.
We did not hold special talks with the Prime Minister, because the agreement is clear enough. For us, the timing of the reconstruction is not crucial. This is certainly the authority given to the Prime Minister by the agreement. What is important is the consistent implementation of the agreed principles and goals and the structure of the reconstructed Government, which we set as a priority. Our attention is focused on achieving key reforms and improving the lives of our citizens, while all possible personnel interventions will take place in accordance with previously reached and signed agreements and the needs of the country, if all actors are responsible to the government they form.
Are you afraid that the prime minister could, as is speculated, exclude the Democrats from the cabinet and replace them with BS, or reduce your "quotas" of the positions you cover? What would your answer be?
We are not recognized as people who are afraid of anything, especially not the parties of the defeated system against which we have been fighting for decades. Replacing Democrats with BS would not be a replacement, but a radical change and a return to the old, defeated system - similar to if we replaced PES with DPS. Our agreement is clear and does not recognize BS as a constituent of the government, as well as DPS, and the positions are clearly prescribed and agreed upon.
Any change to the agreement, that is agreed and signed to the detriment of anyone, would automatically mean that the agreement no longer exists. In that case, the Democratic authorities would carefully consider all options and make a decision that is in the best interest of the citizens and the state.
Will the Democrats support the proposal to dismiss the Minister of Justice Milović?
The Democrats, as always, will approach this situation with the utmost care and responsibility. We will listen to the arguments of all parties before and during the parliamentary session, taking into account the facts and interests of citizens. Our party is recognized for its principled position that it respects the coalition agreement and does not interfere in the internal relations between the Prime Minister and members of the Government from other political options.
We are aware that we often encounter situations where these principles are not applied reciprocally. That's why we leave room for additional clarifications, especially in a situation where Milović claims that the attack on the security sector and the bravest people in it was a planned and coordinated plan by several accomplices. We want to hear who designed it, who all participated in it, with supporting arguments and evidence.
In these challenging times, we will not add fuel to the fire, but our approach will be guided by wisdom, responsibility and firm principles, directed exclusively towards the best interests of our citizens and the state. We believe that the key to the successful functioning of the government and the further progress of Montenegro will be respect for the coalition agreement, refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of other subjects, and fostering mutual trust and support.
We believe that stability and cooperation will be the foundation of our path to prosperity, ensuring that every decision we make contributes to a better life for all citizens...
Will your party vote for the adoption of the resolution on the genocide in Jasenovac? How do you respond to the claims of some analysts that her vote would damage relations with Croatia?
As signatories of the Proposal for a Resolution on the Genocide in Jasenovac and one of the few parties that voted to condemn all the monstrous sufferings of people of different faiths and nations in different periods of time, we believe that recognizing the terrible suffering of Serbs, Jews, Roma, Croats, as well as other peoples in Jasenovac has a moral duty, a principled approach and a foundation for building a fairer and more humane society. We remind you that in the proposal of the mentioned resolution it is clearly stated that the responsibility can be exclusively individual, and that no nation can be labeled as genocidal and criminal.
Every move we make will be carefully coordinated with our partners within the framework of the agreement on the exercise of power, but I remind you that up to this moment not a single signatory of the proposed resolution has changed their position, not even the MPs of Democratic Montenegro. We believe in the power of dialogue and joint decision-making, because this is the way to build truly stable and long-lasting relations between nations.
In the parliament at the end of April, you said that your party colleague and Minister of the Interior, Danilo Saranović, rejected the candidates for acting chief of police who were "recruited by some party officials in a not so modest society, in a not so unknown Podgorica bar", and that after that she rose "the noise about the so-called unnecessary polygraph". You said that they would certainly write the word "noise" with a capital letter, "as the place where the Acting Director of the Police Administration (UP) was really and essentially elected". The officials of which party, as you claim, elected the chief of police in the bar, and in whose "humble company" were they? Which candidates were they, and when and where did it happen?
Sometimes silence is wiser than words. What is not said often speaks louder than what is. It is our duty to ensure that every step is guided by the principles of honesty and responsibility. In that silence lies our strength and our commitment to the betterment of all citizens.
About that later, or else - everything in its own time.
If, as you claim, the chief of police was really elected that way, don't you think that was enough reason to immediately leave Spajic's cabinet, bearing in mind that you advocate the rule of law, meritocracy, transparency...?
The process of selecting the police chief was far from ideal and caused legitimate concerns. But our response to that is not running away, hiding or fear, but the determination to fight for change and ensure that similar situations do not happen again. We work to strengthen institutions and insist on respect for the law and transparency.
Abandoning the ship would be easy. Staying and fighting to right the wrongs is a path that requires more courage and commitment. And that's why we're here - to be the voice of reason, change and hope for a better tomorrow. Our mission is clear: to build a society in which the principles we stand for are respected, even when the road is thorny. And don't forget that after the session of the Presidency, as well as recently after the session of the Government, we announced that the European path and the determined fight against crime and corruption are the greatest state interest and our strongest motive to be in power.
The results in these fields in these few months also show that we have thought wisely, so it is clear to you who would be most happy if we were not in key positions for speeding up the European path and continuing the fight against crime. However, fortunately for the future of Montenegro, we are here, we have no obligation to anyone but our citizens, and that is why you have such excellent results, the trust and cooperation of the security sector, the prosecution and international partners.
"Vijesti" announced in mid-April that there was a simmering conflict between two currents at the top of the Democrats - one, in which you, the leader of the Democrats Bečić, and the vice-president of the party, Dragan Krapović, and the other, led by your colleagues from the party presidency, Momo Koprivica, Vladimir Martinović and Nikola Rovčanin . The differences are most noticeable in the public statements of the two camps about whether there is a crisis of power, and that disagreements undoubtedly exist, as confirmed by the answers of Krapović, Koprivica and Martinović to questions from "Vijesti" regarding the events at one of the Government sessions. How serious are the disagreements and will they result in splitting the party?
Differences in opinions and approaches are a natural part of any democratic organization. On the other hand, all the decisions of the party bodies were made all these years, even in the past months, after a detailed exchange of opinions, analysis of all the circumstances, and everyone is familiar with them, and no one objected to them or challenged them in any way.
So, I am proud of our democracy. I emphasize that splitting the party is an impossible mission, because a party in power that fights against organized crime and corruption, and which, in addition, does not have a single stain on its political face, not a single prosecuted, corrupt or criminalized official in its ten years of existence, I cannot split individuals in parties, but only the mafia can do that. We have shown the necessary combativeness and courage not to allow the same.
In any case, the Democrats are much more than a political party. It is a way of life, a value system and a brand that transcends any individual. Such a way of functioning, firmness and resistance to all challenges in the previous ten years have enabled us to achieve numerous great goals and write one of the most beautiful pages in the recent history of Montenegro.
How did you interpret the fact that, according to Krapović's claims, Koprivica and Martinović did not speak at the Government session where she elected Radović as police chief, and that they supported the adoption of the minutes from that session, even though Krapović expressed his opinion and asked that include in the document, among other things, a warning that voting for the appointment of the head of the police on the proposal of the prime minister constitutes a criminal offense?
I have never interpreted the views of my colleagues, because that would not be fair to the party, nor to myself, nor to them. Colleague Krapović, as a member of the Government and a direct participant in the aforementioned sessions, gave his opinion that reflects his perspective and concern for the legality of the election of the Acting Director of the Police Administration.
Did Koprivica and Martinović explain to you or the party authorities why they did not speak at the mentioned session and why they supported the adoption of the minutes?
I did not have the opportunity to meet Mr. Koprivica to exchange opinions on their actions at the aforementioned meeting. In politics, each individual acts on the basis of his beliefs and analysis of the situation.
What kind of relationship do you have with Koprivica, Martinović and Rovčanin, and do the three of them regularly participate in the work of party bodies?
I monitor the work of all members and their contribution to our common mission, but I do not keep records of attendance at meetings and sessions within the party. When it comes to my relations with party officials Koprivica and Rovčanin and my other colleagues, I can say with pleasure that every meeting and conversation was cordial.
If the opposition had not sent amendments to the media laws, we would have
How do you rate the quality of the 12 recently adopted "IBAR laws"? Why did your party agree to discuss and vote on such important acts in just three days?
The adoption of 12 "IBAR laws" represents a key step in the further harmonization of our legislation with European standards. The quality of these laws is extremely important for the progress of Montenegro on its way to EU membership. In this process, we have carefully analyzed each legislative initiative to ensure that it meets high standards of justice, transparency and efficiency.
Our party accepted that these important acts be discussed and voted on in a short period of time because we recognize the urgency and importance of these reforms for the future of Montenegro. We understand that the speed of this process has caused certain concerns, but we believe that the moment requires decisive and quick moves in order to maintain the dynamics of European integration.
The decision to discuss it in just three days was not easy, but we believed that it was in the interest of the citizens that the reform process should not be delayed. Our priority was for the laws to be adopted so that Montenegro could continue with the reforms that are necessary for our progress. I especially emphasize that our support for a number of laws is conditional due to the short deadlines related to obtaining IBAR, and that we will certainly soon be able to fix them.
Why did the Democrats not submit amendments to the media laws in the part that concerns the Public Service, if some of your members of the Government expressed an opinion at the session of the executive power about the controversial provisions that were adopted, which concern the conditions for the election of the general director of RTCG and the issue of advertising in prime time?
If it were not for the initiative of the opposition, we would certainly have submitted amendments to ensure that the laws reflect the best European practices and standards. In this case, the opposition proposed exactly what was proposed by the Minister of Culture and Media (Tamara Vujović), whose solutions have already received the support of the European Commission, although other proposals also received the green light, so it was about choosing the highest legislative chamber between two significantly different solutions. We believed that supporting those amendments is the best way to ensure the adoption of the highest quality legal solutions for the Public Service.
It is true that members of the Government expressed their opinion at the Government session in order to emphasize the importance of transparent and meritocratic processes in the selection of the general director of RTCG and regulation of advertising in prime time.
RTCG must be the shield of truth, not the sword of politics, and our fight for those principles will never end.
Relations with Milatović and Spajić are characterized by mutual respect
Why did the Democrats not propose his successor for the position in the Capital for more than half a year after Saranović's departure from the position of Deputy Mayor of Podgorica to the Government? Will you do it, if you will - when and who will be your candidate? If you won't, why?
We have a candidate for the deputy mayor of Podgorica, and that is the dominant competence of our local authorities. One of the key reasons why we have not yet announced his name publicly is the instability of the authorities in Podgorica. The current political situation makes it uncertain whether our candidate will be elected, and we do not want to introduce additional risks into this process and further fuel the crisis of the government.
It is important to emphasize that as a party we are not to blame for this crisis that hit Podgorica, but we are responsible for making the best possible decisions in such an environment.
Will the Democrats support the proposal to shorten the mandate of the Podgorica parliament if there is no agreement between the Europe Now Movement (PES) and the Movement for Podgorica on solving the local government crisis?
We believe in the power of dialogue and joint effort in overcoming the local government crisis. If an agreement between PES and the Movement for Podgorica is not reached, any further decision will be made in the interest of the citizens of Podgorica, taking into account all aspects of the situation.
Democrats have always advocated stability and progress. If the situation develops in a way that requires shortening the mandate as the only option, our local representatives and authorities will carefully consider all the circumstances before making a decision, taking into account the potential proponents of the decision in question. Our goal is to preserve the integrity and functionality of state and local government, and we will act in accordance with those principles.
It's not a question of whether Democrats will support this proposal or that proposal; the question is what is best for the citizens of Podgorica and how to ensure that their interests are protected and improved, and you cannot know that before the events unfold. In times of uncertainty, wisdom lies in patient deliberation and decisive action at the right moment.
Do you see the possibility of cooperation with the Movement for Podgorica, which is close to the head of state Jakov Milatović? What is your relationship with Mr. Milatovic?
Opportunities for cooperation often lie in the unpredictable paths of dialogue and compromise. Sometimes solutions appear just where there seem to be none. At this moment, the most important thing is that all actors remain committed to building a better future for Podgorica and Montenegro, guided by wisdom and patience.
Relationship with Mr. Milatović, as well as Mr. Spajić is characterized by mutual respect and appreciation.
We believe that time and circumstances can open the way for cooperation with those who wish good for Montenegro. We are always ready to look for common solutions, because that is the only way we can achieve long-term goals that will benefit all citizens.
As for the modalities of cooperation at the local level, in accordance with the principles of functioning in our party, these are primarily questions for our local committees.
Cooperation with the lists of Mikijelj and Jovanović depends on them
Are the Democrats in Budva closer to cooperation with the list of Nikola Jovanović or Mladen Mikijelj?
On the political horizon of Budva, where many ideas and interests intersect, our moves will be guided by the principles of wisdom and long-term prosperity. Cooperation with any list, whether it is that of Nikola Jovanović or Mladen Mikijelj, depends on the essence of the visions these lists share for the future of Budva, which they will inform us about, but decisions on this issue are primarily within the competence of the Budva Municipal Board.
Budva deserves the best, and our local officials will do their best to ensure that our joint choice reflects the highest standards that lead to a better future for all its citizens. Our decision will be guided by a clear vision and commitment to make every cooperation a step towards a more prosperous Budva.
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