The current Constitution, adopted by a parliamentary majority, does not reflect the real state of society, said Andrija Mandić, President of the Parliament of Montenegro.
"Among the facts that I think need to be reconciled is the status of the Serbian language," he said on gathering on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the adoption of the Nikolajda Constitution of the Principality of Montenegro.
He pointed out that with this act, "Montenegro has stepped into the circle of modern European orders."
"Since 1796 and the adoption of the Discipline devised by Saint Peter of Cetinje, through his code and the code of Prince Danilo, our country has expressed the need to be governed in accordance with laws and rules. The Nicholas Constitution was created in an era of great change. Europe then lived between tradition and modernity - between old empires and modern states, between force and law," he said.
As he added, in such a geopolitical environment, Montenegro has shown political maturity. The head of parliament emphasized that the youth of Montenegro, who received education throughout Europe, have seen how modern countries develop, and that the Constitution is a prerequisite for development.
"Prince, and then King Nikola Petrović Njegoš, a ruler and politician who deeply understood that freedom is not defended only with the sword and who listened carefully to the wishes of the people, as well as that the era of absolutism is fleeting and that it is finally time for Montenegro to follow in the footsteps of the countries of Europe," he said, adding that the constitution provided for the division of powers and the role of the parliament.
Mandić said that the Nikoljdan Constitution marked the transition from a patriarchal system to a modern constitutional monarchy, but without renouncing tradition.
"It is important to remember that the Nikoljdan Constitution was adopted in a state that gained its international legitimacy through the great sacrifice and heroic feat of its people, but decided to establish its internal order through law and order in order to better prepare itself for the age of liberation and unification," he said.
The head of parliament pointed out that Montenegro still faces "historic challenges" today - between dignity and a European perspective.
Mandić pointed out that the current Constitution does not reflect the actual situation.
"In order to be legitimate, power must be limited by law and directed towards the common good. That is precisely why I am taking this opportunity to say that the current Constitution, adopted by a parliamentary majority, does not reflect the real situation in our country. There are a large number of elements of the current Constitution that are ripe for adaptation to the present, and I would especially like to highlight the status of the Serbian language," said Mandić.
He added that "citizens are not looking for a miracle," but that "the highest legal act represents the actual situation."
"No one wants the status of other languages to change, but it is time to right a historical injustice. In that spirit, the role of the Assembly remains crucial. Parliament is a place of dialogue and confrontation of ideas," he pointed out.
As he added, parliament must be a mirror of society, but also a corrective.
"Today, Montenegro is a multinational, multi-religious and democratic state. Its stability rests on respect for all, but also on a clear awareness of its own roots. Our path to the EU is not a denial of ourselves. We want to bring into the European family everything that has adorned us for centuries - freedom, humanity and heroism," he said.
"Let this great jubilee be a reminder to us that history is not inherited," he added.
He also said that the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral was "the only one to preserve the continuity of the Peć Patriarchate", elect bishops and thus "prepare the ground for the renewal of the Peć Patriarchate and the Serbian Orthodox Church".
Mandić said that the roundtable participants will work over the next two days and wished them successful work.
He also took the opportunity to congratulate the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
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