The future of Montenegro and democratic Europe lies in respect for different opinions, free speech and open dialogue, said Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić.
In his speech at the European Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of the Council of Europe, he said that they are gathered today in the spirit of democracy and freedom, to talk about a topic that afflicts the modern world - violence against politicians.
Mandić, as announced by the Parliament, said that the example of Montenegro shows how precious freedom, democracy and the right to a different opinion are, but also how easily they can become the target of political violence.
He said that the history of Montenegro, unfortunately, has not known a free change of government in democratic elections for a long time.
"For decades it was ruled by an autocracy, and only recently have we gained the ability to elect and replace the government in elections, which is the only thing befitting modern democratic societies. There are several reasons and explanations for such a delay," said Mandić.
As he stated, the fall of the Berlin Wall, a symbolic act that brought freedom to many nations at the end of 1989, did not include Montenegro.
"In our country, the communists just changed their clothes and became socialists overnight, retaining all the repressive mechanisms of the previous regime," said Mandić.
He said that the League of Communists of Montenegro, the ruling party until then, only changed its name, and the methods of governance remained the same with one important difference.
"Namely, organized crime and corruption have been introduced into political and economic life, which has led to a dangerous symbiosis between crime and the state," added Mandić.
He said that Montenegro was not much different from the states that emerged from the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.
"But, unlike Montenegro, they had the will and strength to change the government in elections and fight against these scourges," added Mandić.
He said that as a long-time opposition member, together with his colleagues, he fought against such a difficult situation with all democratic means, and that they "were victims of the then regime precisely because of their persistent fight for free elections and respect for the will of the people."
Mandić pointed out that political persecution and violence were their everyday life, and that, without lifting their parliamentary immunity, they were arrested, imprisoned, persecuted and discredited, without the perpetrators feeling any responsibility, remorse or shame.
"The great victory in the 2020 elections gave us the opportunity to reform Montenegro, to start building responsible institutions, with consistent respect for the Constitution and the law," said Mandić.
According to him, Montenegro is now leading a decisive fight against organized crime and corruption.
"Strictly taking care that this fight is fair, and that it completely excludes political revenge and violence that we once went through," Mandić emphasized.
He also stated that his personal experiences have further strengthened his faith in democracy, freedom, and dialogue as the only correct paths for the future.
Mandić, it is added, also said that as President of the Assembly, he put his mandate at the service of dialogue, understanding and compromise.
He also said that he does not hold grudges against the opposition when it criticizes his work or the work of ministers very harshly, because, as he added, he has spent most of his career on the opposition benches and understands very well the role of the opposition in a society that truly wants to be democratic.
"Today, here with you, united in the European aspiration for peace and stability, we send a clear message that violence against politicians and repression of different views have no place in modern Europe," said Mandić.
He said that countries that have not faced this truth always risk a return to darkness and autocracy.
Mandić, as stated, concluded that the future of Montenegro, as well as the future of democratic Europe, lies in respecting different opinions, in free speech and open dialogue.
"These are the foundations of peace, stability and progress. Let our experience be a reminder of how dangerous violence against political opponents is," said Mandić.
He said that it is important to understand and respect people who fight for their ideas through democratic means.
"Some of your countries adopted these values a long time ago, and some, like Montenegro, only recently. We understand the advantages of democracy and will do everything not to return to the era of autocracy and totalitarian regimes, because such a danger always exists," said Mandić.
Bonus video:
