Montenegro Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić faces removal debate over Mladić condolences

Andrija Mandić Ratko Mladić Montenegro Parliament European Alliance political controversy

Montenegrin politics is facing intense debate following Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić's decision to send a condolence telegram to the son of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. The Democratic Socialist Party (DPS) has initiated a move to remove Mandić from his position, citing the gesture as a compromise of Montenegro's European path.

Mandić defended his actions, stating he is a national Serb and that expressing condolences is consistent with his people's customs. Meanwhile, the Movement Europe Now (PES) has announced it will not support his removal, characterizing the matter as a personal and party stance rather than a government position.

The controversy has sparked sharp criticism from various political figures. Petar Odžić of the European Alliance challenged PES members to clarify their moral stance, while Armen Šehović accused Odžić's coalition of ignoring the glorification of Mladić to protect political interests. Additionally, Tonino Picula, an EU Parliament envoy, warned that Mandić's actions could signal an attempt to emphasize Greater Serbian interests, potentially impacting Montenegro's EU accession negotiations.

Entities

Andrija Mandić · Armen Šehović · European Alliance · Montenegro · Movement Europe Now · Nermin Ogrešević · Petar Odžić · Pokret Evropa sad · Ratko Mladić

Claims

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

[○ 1 SOURCE] Tonino Picula suggested Andrija Mandić is using his actions to emphasize a role as a leader of Greater Serbian interests in Montenegro. otvoreno.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] Nermin Ogrešević called for a break in political relations with Belgrade due to the state honors given to Ratko Mladić. radiosarajevo.ba
[● 2 SOURCES] Armen Šehović accused Petar Odžić and the European Alliance of ignoring the glorification of Ratko Mladić to protect political positions. rtnk.me · www.dan.co.me
[● 3 SOURCES] Petar Odžić stated that Ratko Mladić is a convicted criminal against innocent Bosniak civilians. etv.me · www.aktuelno.me · www.vijesti.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] The PES movement announced it will not support the removal of Andrija Mandić from the position of President of the Parliament of Montenegro. verige.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Andrija Mandić defended his condolence telegram to Ratko Mladić's son as an act in accordance with Serbian customs. nap.ba