Montenegro political crisis threatens EU accession after failed parliamentary session

Montenegro political crisis Andrija Mandić dismissal EU accession Montenegro Parliamentary quorum DPS opposition

Montenegro is facing a significant political crisis following a failed attempt to convene a parliamentary session to discuss the dismissal of Speaker of Parliament Andrija Mandić. The session failed to proceed because the required quorum of 41 deputies was not met, with reports indicating only 38 or 39 members were present.

The crisis was triggered by an opposition initiative to remove Mandić following his expression of condolences to the family of Ratko Mladić. In response, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) has announced it will cease institutional cooperation with the government and the parliamentary majority until the session is held. This move has raised concerns among analysts that the political deadlock could stall Montenegro's EU accession process, which is currently in its final stages.

EU Commissioner Marta Kos has urged Montenegrin leaders to maintain political unity and stability to ensure the successful completion of negotiations. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has condemned the opposition's stance as political blackmail, asserting that the European path should not be used as leverage in domestic disputes. Meanwhile, political figures have traded accusations, with some alleging external influence from Belgrade and others accusing Mandić of exercising undue control over both legislative and executive branches.

Entities

Aleksandar Vučić · Andrej Plenković · Andrija Mandić · Democratic Party of Socialists · Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) · European Commission · European Union · Johan Satler · Marta Kos · Milojko Spajić · Montenegrin Parliament · Montenegro

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] Only 39 deputies were present in the hall, failing to meet the required quorum of 41. www.sandzakdanas.rs · etv.me · sandzacke.rs · 24-ore.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Secretary General of Parliament reported that a member allegedly pulled a card from an audio device during the roll call. borba.me
[● 4 SOURCES] The DPS leader stated that the ruling majority obstructed the session to avoid a vote on Mandić's dismissal. sputnikportal.rs · informacijecrnagora.me · rtnk.me
[● 3 SOURCES] Andrija Mandić stated he would not yield to the opposition's efforts to remove him. sputnikportal.rs · n1info.rs
[● 7 SOURCES] Journalists were denied access to the plenary hall during the attempted session. sandzacke.rs · www.sandzakdanas.rs · 24-ore.com · etv.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] Sead Šahman accused Andrija Mandić of exercising dictatorial control over both legislative and executive powers. sandzacke.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] Andrija Nikoliq accused Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić of influencing the lack of a quorum in the Montenegrin Parliament. 24-ore.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that political blackmail regarding the European path is unacceptable. n1info.rs · www.pvinformer.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] EU Commissioner Marta Kos called on Montenegrin political actors to maintain unity to complete EU accession negotiations. n1info.rs