Mandić: For the first time in the history of the Parliament and the Government, Serbs, Montenegrins, Bosniaks and Albanians are standing together

Marked 118 years since the introduction of parliamentarism in Montenegro, the opposition did not attend the event

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Photo submitted by the Parliament of Montenegro, Photo: Parliament of Montenegro
Photo submitted by the Parliament of Montenegro, Photo: Parliament of Montenegro
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

For the first time in the history of the Parliament and the Government, together in the parliamentary majority, there are Serbs, Montenegrins, Bosniaks, Albanians, representatives of the peoples who live in Montenegro and make up its wealth, announced the head of the Assembly Andrija Mandić.

He said this last night at a formal reception on the occasion of Parliamentarianism Day.

"The ceremony held on the occasion of this important date, when more than a century ago, on October 31, 1906, the First National Assembly was constituted, was opened by the President of the Parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandić. Noting that on this day we celebrate our long political history and tradition, President Mandić said that today's date is not only a holiday of the parliament, but also a great day for our country and all its citizens," the announcement states.

At last night's reception, there were no representatives of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), GP URA and the Croatian Citizens' Initiative.

The head of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Andrija Nikolić, said that the representatives of his party will not attend because "the parliament is humiliated and there is nothing to celebrate and commemorate with this kind of administration of the Assembly".

As announced, Mandić recalled the development of parliamentarism in Montenegro and emphasized that the first steps in that direction represented the foundation on which we have built an institution that serves all citizens today.

"Today, Montenegro lives democracy to the fullest. For the first time in the history of our Parliament and Government, together in the parliamentary majority, there are Serbs, Montenegrins, Bosniaks, Albanians, representatives of the peoples who live in our country and make up its wealth. Today, the Parliament of Montenegro is the true home of all citizens, regardless of their origin, religion or identity. This is not only an indicator of our progress in democracy, but also a true expression of the desire to build a common life in peace, harmony and mutual respect. Today, Montenegro is open to everyone, and our parliament is a place where all ideas and opinions are heard," Mandić said.

According to him, the common goal of full membership in the European Union has never been clearer.

"Precisely as a parliament, we have the obligation and responsibility to be leaders in that process, to consistently implement reforms and to lead Montenegro towards the achievement of this goal. Our parliament, as the highest legislative body, is a key factor in all the reform processes ahead of us. We are the people's representatives who pass laws, supervise their implementation and ensure that citizens' interests are protected at all times," said Mandić.

In his address to the audience, Mandić emphasized the importance of safeguarding the interests of all citizens in the Parliament, through respect for the rights and freedoms of everyone without exception.

"Let this moment be a bright example of our unity and our joint effort for Montenegro to continue its path as a democratic, stable and prosperous state. May our future be marked by progress, and our work dedicated to the well-being of all citizens of Montenegro", he concluded.

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