# Montenegrin political identity and sovereignty debates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegrin-political-identity-and-sovereignty-debates > Updated: 2026-08-23T08:33:56.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Political discourse in Montenegro has centered on national identity and the country’s civic character. Andrija Mandić, leader of the New Serb Democracy (NSD), asserted that decisions regarding Montenegro’s future will be made domestically, describing the nation as both Serbian and home to various ethnic groups. Analysts noted this rhetoric could signal a shift toward a multi-ethnic vision aligned with European integration, provided Mandić distances himself from external influences. Concurrently, the Civil Initiative ‘21 May’ has criticized the role of identity politics in the country. The group alleges that decades of propaganda have been used to deepen divisions and undermine Montenegro’s civic nature. They specifically claim that narratives regarding the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian population have been utilized to serve Belgrade-based interests, aiming to shift the country from a civic state toward clerical-nationalist politics. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Montenegro: Civil Initiative ‘21 May’ criticizes identity politics The Civil Initiative ‘21 May’ claims Montenegrin politics is driven by propaganda and identity disputes intended to undermine the country's civic character and promote assimilation. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-civil-initiative-21-may-criticizes-identity-politics ### 2026-08-15: Andrija Mandić asserts Montenegrin sovereignty in political speech Montenegrin leader Andrija Mandić asserts that Montenegro's future decisions must be made domestically, signaling a potential shift toward civic identity and away from external political influence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andrija-mandi-asserts-montenegrin-sovereignty-in-political-speech --- Cite as: Montenegrin political identity and sovereignty debates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegrin-political-identity-and-sovereignty-debates