The fight against corruption, strengthening institutions and European reforms remain a permanent obligation for Montenegro to be strong, European and fair to every person living in it, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.
In his address on the occasion of May 21st - Independence Day and two years of his term as President of Montenegro, he said that two years ago he gave his word that he would work dedicatedly for the betterment of Montenegro and, as the first among equals, stand firmly on the defender of its constitutional and legal order.
"Today, when I look back on two years of mandate - I don't count meetings, protocols and speeches. I count the occasions in which we restored trust in the state. Montenegro is today on the European path and has never been closer to full membership in the European Union," Milatović said.
He pointed out that over the past two years, credibility with international partners has been restored and good neighborly relations have been built.
"In meetings with leaders of Europe and the world, we sent a clear message: Montenegro knows who it is, where it is going and with whom. And we have remained a reliable partner to our allies – firmly committed to peace, stability and common values," said Milatović.
He said that he was where the people's voice matters most - in our cities, villages, schools, among the young and the old.
"I listened to what is bothering you and what kind of Montenegro you want. We have opened up space for everyone's voice - for the academic and professional community, for civil society. I have had open conversations and listened to different opinions. Because politics must not be confined to institutions - it must live among people," said Milatović.
He emphasized that he tried to be a corrective factor – to direct social processes towards further democratization. "Where there were divisions – we chose dialogue. I believed, as I do today, that democracy is not built by speeches – but by actions."
Milatović said that he believes in togetherness that does not require us to be the same, but rather to respect differences.
"Some injustices have gone unanswered for too long. I have tried to recognize and correct them. Because justice is not complete until it reaches everyone," Milatović said.
He said that the fight against corruption, strengthening institutions and European reforms remain a permanent obligation - so that Montenegro is strong, European and fair to every person living in it.
Milatović said that the Montenegro we are building must be a country in which effort, knowledge and honesty lead forward.
"We continue, even more strongly, to lead Montenegro to its rightful place – that of a developed, democratic, European country. The road ahead of us is full of challenges. But I am certain: if we continue together – we will succeed. For the Montenegro of all of us," said Milatović.
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