SEP: Attempts by the parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitutional practice constitute a coup d'état

Attempts by the parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitutional practice on its own initiative and take over the powers of the Constitutional Court represent nothing less than a coup d'état, with potentially incalculable consequences for the democratic development of the country, announced the Party of European Progress (SEP).

That party said that they strongly condemn "the unprecedented attack on the Constitution and legal order of Montenegro that took place today in the Parliament".

"The decision of the Constitutional Committee to open competitions for new judges without authorization, while ignoring the procedures prescribed by the Constitution, shows the brutal attack of the authorities on the foundations of the Montenegrin institutional order. Taking over the powers of the Constitutional Court represents a dangerous precedent, which leads Montenegro towards an autocratic model of governance, distancing it from European democratic standards and the Euro-Atlantic path," the announcement states.

The SEP pointed out that Article 154 of the Constitution clearly stipulates that only the Constitutional Court can state the termination of the mandate of judges, and that any attempt to interpret it differently is not only a gross violation of the Constitution, but also a criminal offense.

"Today, we see how the parliamentary majority takes the right to interpret and apply the Constitution according to political interests, while the institutions become hostages of party arbitrariness. The parliamentary majority, with its irresponsible and destructive policy, not only undermines citizens' trust in the institutions, but also opens the door to dangerous legal chaos," he writes in announcement of the SEP.

They called on all "progressive and democratic forces to defend the Constitution and the legal order of Montenegro".

"Such destruction of the system must be met with a sharp and unique response from all who believe in justice, law and the European future of our country. Montenegro will not and must not become prey to those who try to subjugate it to political unanimity and suspend democracy. The Party of European Progress will continue to is fighting for the preservation of constitutionality and the rights of all citizens of Montenegro," the announcement concludes.