Mandić: Many still want to return the Serbian people in Montenegro to the position of second-class citizens

For the first time since the end of World War II, Serbs are part of the government in Montenegro, said the Speaker of the Montenegrin Parliament and leader of the New Serbian Democracy (NSD) Andrija Mandić, adding that many still want to return the Serbian people to the position of second-class citizens.

Mandić said at the Assembly of United Srpska in Banja Luka that he wanted his address to be a symbol of strong cooperation between the Serbian people and their political representatives, which no one can prevent, "because we belong to the same culture, the same church and nation."

"We are a living organism that is exposed to numerous, often ill-intentioned and conflicting influences on different parts of our national body," added Mandić.

He, as announced by the NSD, said that his job is not to look for an enemy, but a friend.

"And yes, I believe that every person and every nation is stronger if they increase the number of friends and decrease the number of enemies," said Mandić.

He said that this is why he decided to start promoting and strengthening support for those ideas that are vital for the life, development and progress of the Serbian people in Montenegro, especially the youth, with special tolerance and understanding.

"Ultimately, it is my job and my national duty, and my responsibility, because many still want to return the Serbian people in Montenegro to the position of second-class citizens, and some wish to subordinate us again to the administration of Milo Đukanović and his DPS," Mandić assessed.

He said that "we are democratically elected by the people, our Serbian people and the citizens of Montenegro."

"To represent and defend their interests. Not to withdraw, but to participate in making decisions that directly affect their lives," said Mandić.

He said that neither he nor the Serbs need power to be in power, but rather to make the Serbian voice heard better and more influential, to respect their word, and to fulfill their justified demands.

"I can freely say: for the first time since the end of World War II, Serbs are part of the government in Montenegro, a democratic and pro-European government, respected by others, dedicated to reconciliation and peaceful life, as well as the progress of all, without any exclusions, without painful divisions and constant regression," Mandić said.

He said he firmly believes that such a policy of reconciliation is the right one - and that it can be healing for our entire turbulent, suffering region.

"Of course, there are many more issues that the Serbian people in Montenegro need to raise and resolve in agreement with their other majority allies," added Mandić.

This, he said, is easier and more feasible to achieve through the will of the majority than as an outcast minority waiting for mercy from anyone.

"That is why we have the patience, strength and will not to give up, to fight for our national interests consistently and intelligently, in a consensual and conciliatory manner - on behalf of all Serbs and citizens in Montenegro," said Mandić.

He said that "alone - we have the heart and the will, but we do not have the numbers to make decisions without others."

"That's why we look for allies, partners, friends in others and don't dig trenches of distrust and suspicion that distance us and deprive us of strength and power," said Mandić.

He stated that Montenegro is importing new labor today, because the unemployment rate has been reduced to a historic minimum, and in the last five years more than one hundred thousand people have been employed.

"Most of them are our compatriots, who have been severely discriminated against for decades, especially when it comes to the biggest problem in life - permanent employment and a decent salary," said Mandić.

He added that average salaries and pensions have more than doubled compared to 2020.

"And that is, among other things, the result of the participation of Serbian representatives in government. Today, our Serbian people in Montenegro do not have to worry about their existence, and that is the result of their struggle and perseverance," Mandić said.

He said that "our people have survived, endured and survived all sorts of things."

"He didn't give up when it was hardest for him, and why would he today, in a time of freedom, when his strength pulsates at every step," said Mandić.

According to him, politicians are obliged to suffer more than those they represent.

"In terms of the shame and vileness of the attacks on our people, not only by Đukanović, but also by some of our compatriots, I would single out the fake coup d'état of 2016 and the court process that lasted until recently, when my colleague Milan Knežević, Mihailo Čađenović and my little one from Montenegro, eight citizens of Serbia and two citizens of Russia, were finally acquitted," said Mandić.

He said that with that trial, and "the subsequent severe violence against the Serbian Orthodox Church and the attempt to expel it from Montenegro, the anti-Serbian and collapsing regime was shaken."

"And the people prepared with magnificent processions the first democratic change of government in the history of Montenegro, which took place in the elections on August 30, 2020," added Mandić.

He thanked the Republika Srpska for the support he received.

"It was important to all of us, and especially valuable to break the blockade that was imposed on us for so long by the former anti-Serbian regime of Montenegro and its allies outside the country," said Mandić.