On this day, nineteen years ago, Montenegro said "yes" to itself. Not against another, but for its own dignity, for the right to choose its own path. And today, on a day when we should celebrate the strength of our state, the wisdom of the decisions of its citizens and hope for the future – the front pages of our newspapers are silent. Or worse – they speak of captivity, division and alienation, as if independence was a mistake and love for the homeland a weakness.
This was stated by Rozalina Ljuljđuraj from the Party of European Progress in a statement sent to the media.
"Not a single word of 'congratulations'. Not a single word of pride. Not a single image that unites. Instead – the headline: 'A country trapped between past and future'. Is that all we have to say on this day? 'A nation stuck in divisions'. And where are the words that heal, that unite, that awaken faith? 'Sovereignty in the shop window, the keys with others'. And where is our key – from the heart, from self-confidence, from responsibility?
Criticism is healthy. Warning is useful. But there are days when people don't need to be reminded of everything that is wrong, but rather encouraged to change it. If you can't say the word 'congratulations' on Independence Day - then you are not dealing with the truth, but with denial. Then you are not disappointed - but defeated. And we are not a defeated people," said Ljuljđuraj.
She added that Montenegro is still free. Tired – but upright. Attacked – but unconquered. Full of wounds – but alive.
"No one is asking for false optimism, but is it too much to remind ourselves at least once a year that we have something to be grateful for? That this country chose peace when it was easiest to choose conflict. That people lined up to vote for hope, not hate. Isn't that worth a front page?"
We have an obligation – to May 21st, to ourselves, to those who come after us – not to let the truth be stifled by cynical slogans. Not to let the poison of defeatism convince us that independence has failed.
"Because Montenegro is not stuck - but too often without a voice. It is not a divided people - but manipulated. Sovereignty is not in a shop window - but in the hands of each of us, when we decide to defend it, live it and love it," Ljuljđuraj pointed out.
That's why we are not silent today, she added.
"Today we raise our voices – not against others, but for ourselves. For Montenegro – ours, the only one, too small to share, too beautiful to surrender. Happy Independence Day, our Mother Montenegro. And forgive us for not all of us congratulating you," she concluded.
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