Montenegro political crisis intensifies over Assembly Speaker dismissal

Montenegro is facing a political crisis centered on an initiative to dismiss Assembly Speaker Andrija Mandić. The controversy stems from a telegram Mandić sent to the family of the late Ratko Mladić, which opposition leaders have characterized as a violation of political and moral principles.

Leaders of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) have announced they will boycott parliamentary sessions until a vote on Mandić’s dismissal is included on the agenda. DPS officials claim Mandić has undermined parliamentary democracy and is holding coalition partners, specifically the Europe Now Movement, hostage to maintain his position. They argue the crisis could be resolved quickly if the assembly simply allows for a formal debate and vote on the initiative.

Meanwhile, the Democratic People's Party (DNP) has reportedly blocked efforts to add the dismissal proposal to the agenda. DPS representatives have suggested that this obstruction indicates external political influences. The standoff has led to a deadlock in the Montenegrin Parliament, with the opposition refusing to participate in sessions that they claim create a false appearance of normal parliamentary life.