Journalism is not just a profession, but a calling, said the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, who yesterday hosted a reception for media representatives on the occasion of January 23rd - Journalists' Day of Montenegro.
He emphasized that impartiality, responsibility, and timeliness are the most important tools of journalists, and that it is his obligation as the president of the country to contribute to building an environment in which media workers will work freely and without pressure.
Addressing those present, Milatović emphasized that this was an opportunity to thank journalists for their professional, responsible and often extremely demanding work, with which they contribute daily to informing the public and strengthening a democratic society.
The President of the state emphasized that, according to data from the Media Union of Montenegro, during 2025, 28 attacks on journalists in Montenegro were recorded in the SafeJournalists database, and that the fact that the largest number of attacks were directed at female journalists was particularly concerning.
"These statistics are a red alert for institutions and their leaders - a warning that must be responded to with concrete protection protocols, not just statements," Milatović said, as reported by his office.
He emphasized that journalism is not an easy profession and that it requires knowledge, perseverance and a willingness to work in circumstances that are not always stable or safe. This, he added, especially applies to attacks and pressures that occur not only in editorial offices and in the field, but increasingly also in the digital space. In this sense, he said, threats, insults and intimidation on social networks must not only be condemned, but must be adequately reported and prosecuted.
"We cannot talk about Journalists' Day without remembering Duško Jovanović, the founder and editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Dan, who was murdered for his professional work and fight for free journalism. The case of Duško Jovanović is an indicator of our justice. Without an epilogue, there is no trust. The state must show that crimes against journalists will not be forgotten, but, more importantly – that they will not remain unanswered," said Milatović.
He also extended special thanks to all journalists who were on the ground during the fires and floods and informed citizens in a timely manner, emphasizing that it is in such moments that one can best see how important the work of journalists is and how much the public depends on accurate and verified information.
As he pointed out, 2026 will be the year of closing all negotiation chapters with the European Union, including those related to the rule of law and media freedom. In this regard, he pointed out that negotiation chapters are a matter of bureaucracy, while real change on the ground is the reality that we must strive for as a society.
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