Milatović: I target institutional irresponsibility, not the Government, criticism from both the ruling majority and the opposition proves my impartiality

By pointing out problems and offering concrete solutions, I am not undermining either the Government or the opposition, but articulating the voice of those who elected us to work lawfully and with dedication. Citizens are not asking for political conflicts, but for results, accountability, and functional institutions - said the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, in an interview for Dan.

Milatović emphasized that in every well-ordered system there must be clear accountability.

- If pointing out problems is called undermining, then the problem is not in the one who speaks, but in the lack of a reasoned response to those problems. The fact that I am equally a target of criticism from both the government and the opposition confirms my impartiality and my intention to remain outside the gloomy day-to-day politics, which, unfortunately, are characterized by seriousness lacking, irresponsibility, and ignorance. If there is something I truly want to bring down, it is institutional irresponsibility, which, unfortunately, we have started to get used to - he assessed.

„Attempts to use security services for party purposes come back like a boomerang“

Commenting on the security sector, Milatović said that security services must serve the state and all citizens, not any political structure. Any attempt to use security services for party purposes, he notes, ultimately comes back as a political boomerang.

- After the changes in 2020, citizens were promised the liberation of this sector from party and criminal influence, as well as equal security for all. Citizens rightfully expect to be safe and for institutions to work in their interest. Today it is clear that this job has not been completed and that there is justified dissatisfaction with the results - Milatović emphasized.

Reform, he stresses, does not mean replacing one set of party influences with another.

- That is why I opposed solutions which, instead of depoliticization, open space for new political influence in the security sector. We pointed this out during the adoption of legal solutions in this sector, because without clear rules and oversight there can be no professional and reliable institutions - the President emphasized.

Wherever there is political influence over security services, Milatović points out, there is neither public trust nor real security.

- Therefore, the solution is clear: professionalization, depoliticization, and strong oversight mechanisms that guarantee that services operate exclusively in the interest of the state and all citizens. The system must be cleansed of crime and abuse, but this must not be an excuse for new political influence in those services - he said.

The European path must not be „cosmetic“

Milatović also said that the upcoming European Union-Western Balkans summit, which will be held on June 5 in Tivat, represents a historic turning point and the largest gathering of world leaders ever organized in Montenegro.

- The most concrete and measurable benefit is that Montenegro will, after June 5, be one step closer to its key strategic goal of becoming the 28th member of the European Union. This event, the largest of its kind ever held in Montenegro, and perhaps in the region, is an important milestone on that path. In Tivat, we will have all key European leaders in one place, and this is the moment to show that we are ready to complete a process that has lasted for years. The fact that such a summit is being organized in Montenegro for the first time speaks to the trust we currently enjoy among our European partners. Montenegro is not welcoming Europe – it is bringing it together - he emphasized.

He also stated that the European path must not be „cosmetic“, but a substantive change visible in citizens’ lives.

- It is true that today there is stronger political will for enlargement within the European Union, and this is an opportunity we should seize. But it only makes sense if it is accompanied by real reforms. That is why I keep repeating that the question is no longer whether we will join the EU, but what kind of country we will be when we do. If reforms remain only on paper, the problems will remain the same, just in a different framework. That means citizens will still wait for justice, rely on connections for jobs, and live in a system that is not equal for all - said the President.

That is why, he says, his focus is on measuring reforms through results visible to citizens.

- Through stronger institutions, less corruption, and a system in which the rules apply equally to everyone, through clear institutional accountability and results that citizens can see and feel. The European path is worthwhile only if it brings real changes to people’s lives - Milatović concluded.