The President of the Parliament of Montenegro and the leader of the New Serbian Democracy (NSD) Andrija Mandić announced in the show "Naglas" on TVCG1 that it cannot be said that the government in Montenegro is unstable.
He emphasized that the parliamentary majority finds the strength to find compromises and shows great negotiating skills, the RTCG portal reported.
"Let's find solutions for the benefit of each group we represent and for the benefit of the citizens of Montenegro," said Mandić.
He said that numerous international addresses, in the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU), support the policy of the parliamentary majority.
He called the reservations towards him and the president of the Democratic People's Party (DNP), Milan Knežević, an old matrix, which is outdated.
"This parliamentary majority should remain a majority even after 2027, and bring Montenegro into the EU," said Mandić.
He emphasized that regarding the demands of the Democratic People's Party (DNP) on the status of the Serbian language and symbols, this is the policy of the NSD, and previously the Serbian People's Party.
He said that the fight for the rights of the Serbian people is constant and emphasized that the fact that the linguistic majority in the country is Serbian cannot be ignored, as shown by data from the last census.
"We have begun to dynamically resolve issues that concern all citizens. These are issues of salaries and pensions, freedom of speech and the fight against organized crime and corruption without compromise," said Mandić.
He emphasized that the ruling alliance partners are not anti-Serbian, but they all have their own priorities and issues that need to be addressed.
He is convinced that everything the Government, as well as the parliamentary majority, has done has resulted in Montenegro progressing in every sense, reports the RTCG portal.
"I think that life here today is much better than ever, and there is freedom of speech. There is also a desire for things that need to be resolved to be resolved, but we cannot achieve that desire without the agreement of those closest to us. Let's be clear, what the DNP proposed will be supported by our ministers in the Government. This needs to be discussed, an open dialogue should be conducted, and working teams should be formed to discuss this topic. When it will be completed depends on the dynamics of the negotiations," said Mandić.
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Following Mandić's statement that he would support what the DNP proposed, the host of the show asked Mandić what the NSD's position would be if it did leave the government, which Knežević reiterated today in a statement to a Serbian newspaper, as the NSD and DNP are part of the broader coalition "For the Future of Montenegro". The host asked Mandić whether the NSD would automatically act as their coalition partners or whether they would consider all options and whether there was any progress in the negotiations with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić when it came to specific issues.
Mandić responded by saying that he is not only a coalition partner with Knežević, but also a friend.
He announced that he would speak with Knežević in the coming days, explaining the situation and asking them to make a rational choice.
"At 60 years old, I am an advocate of rational choice. Everything in its time. Today, we are part of the parliamentary majority. We are a parliamentary majority that has 41 votes. We are parties that have 41 votes. We have a total of 13 MPs out of 81. For what is being proposed, you need two-thirds of the parliament, that is 54 MPs, to do what we proposed in 2011, to amend the Constitution, which was the subject of controversy among lawyers about whether it is possible, not possible, and the like. I want us to find a solution as our closest political associates, but if the DNP, which is not the NSD, decides to go in that direction, I will certainly convene our party bodies afterwards, so that no one would say that Andrija Mandić or a couple of our ministers in the government are defending their positions," said Mandić.
He said that the DNP wants nothing less than to achieve its demands, but he cannot escape the impression that perhaps now is not the time for such initiatives.
"Such important things can be achieved through agreement," said Mandić.
He said that citizens have clear expectations regarding the growth of living standards, infrastructure, improving tourism, strengthening the rule of law, the fight against crime...
Mandić said that the parliament did what was expected of it when it came to EU accession negotiations.
He says that he promoted the policy of reconciliation as one of the most important for the revival of Montenegro.
In his opinion, red lines are what destroy peace and stability in Montenegro. Mandić says that he also told his younger colleagues that all demands and initiatives should be followed by the people.
"There must be no destabilization in Montenegro. The red lines are those that say that peace and stability in the country must not be jeopardized. Everything that needs to come will come. Something will come earlier, something faster. We have to be reasonable," said the speaker of parliament.
He said that he was attacked from Croatia, but also from some compatriots from Belgrade.
"I am not answering, as you can see. Let everyone say what they want and think what they want, we as the parliamentary majority have a chance to make Montenegro better," said Mandić.
The Assembly leader said that all misunderstandings, including those at the local level, can be resolved within the framework of the law.
"The elections are in 2027 and I think they are the most important elections. I think that through the end of this mandate we should show how much we have moved Montenegro forward, how much better life is and how much freedom of speech there is. To help move political life onto a rational track, where people compete with ideas and programs, not with hatred," Mandić concluded.
He recalled the friendship between Milovan Đilas and Matija Bećković, as a friendship between two men of different political profiles and views, but two men with integrity.
When it comes to judicial reform, he added, the best indicator of the results achieved will be final verdicts.
Referring to the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), he said that the party's leadership had become criminalized, which had huge consequences for Montenegro. He emphasized that he recognizes certain intentions to move things forward among the younger members of the party.
When asked about the Inquiry Committee for the "black threes", he said that we cannot correct everything, but it is important that there is a conviction.
"Ten years ago, we heard in cafes how 'every country smuggles', he 'managed it', what was the justification for that. Today, that is not the case. It is the result of the change of government," Mandić emphasized.
He said that in five years in Montenegro, after the change of government, a lot has been done, practically a miracle has been performed.
"What's happening in Botun, and I told the prime minister, let's sit down and talk. We often hear that a thin settlement is better than a fat lawsuit," said Mandić.
Speaking about Cetinje, he said that political and ideological beliefs were changing there. In the 1992 referendum, he said, the same number of citizens, around 12.000, voted for a common state as in the 2006 referendum for independence. He emphasized the importance of the policy of reconciliation.
Regarding relations with Croatia, he said that there are issues that burden bilateral relations.
"These are very complex issues, they are not easy to resolve. I agree with the opinions of Miodrag Lekić and Milan Paunović when it comes to the demarcation process and I believe that it is necessary to discuss it," said Mandić.
He said that the issue of "Lora" and what happened in Dubrovnik in 1991 are both painful issues, but he expects political elites to be a bridge that will be the basis for resolving these issues.
A great strategic advantage of the government of Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, as he said, is that it includes representatives of all peoples in Montenegro.
Mandić said that he was a Serb from Montenegro and congratulated the founding day of Republika Srpska - January 9. He said that ties with the region should be strengthened, and that Bosniak, Albanian and Croat parties should work on this.
As he said, we must work to close all chapters with the EU by the end of the year.
He suggested that Prime Minister Spajić form working groups to deal with the issues that the DNP insists on, and for talks with representatives of Botun.
"When I asked whether it was possible to relocate the plant planned in Botun, I received firm assurances that it was not possible. There is also the option of compensating for it, but I leave that to the stakeholders who will negotiate these issues," said Mandić.
He wondered what more someone could do outside the government than within it. As he said, the opposition could insist on some issues, but they could not make decisive decisions.
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