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Milo Dukanovic Faces Rising Public Protests and Calls for Constitutional Reform

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 14:34 GMT by IBTimes UK

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Montenegro’s President Milo Đukanović Faces Growing Pressure That Could Shape the Country’s Future

For two decades the same face has dominated Montenegro’s political scene – Milo Đukanović. A veteran of the country’s turbulent post‑Yugoslav transition, Đukanović has been president (and, in all other capacities, the most powerful person in the country) since 2018. He is now confronting an unprecedented wave of domestic unrest, institutional challenges, and external scrutiny that could redefine Montenegro’s political trajectory for years to come.

The Rising Tide of Opposition

The article begins by painting a picture of a country in the throes of mass protests. In the weeks leading up to the piece, citizens flooded streets in Podgorica, Nikšić and Kotor, demanding that the government “stop its authoritarian drift” and “reform the judiciary.” These demonstrations are driven largely by the newly formed opposition coalition, the “National Front,” which includes the Democratic Front (DF), the Liberal Party (LP), the United Montenegro (UM), and the Green Party (GP). Together they accuse Đukanović’s administration of stifling dissent, manipulating elections, and using state institutions to consolidate power.

A key moment highlighted in the article is the violent clash that erupted on March 9th, when police confronted a rally in Podgorica. Over 70 protesters were arrested, and several were injured. The opposition’s leadership has since called for a nationwide strike and a boycott of upcoming parliamentary elections, citing “deep institutional breaches” that threaten Montenegro’s democratic future.

Constitutional Dead‑Ends and Calls for Reform

Đukanović’s legal grip on power is rooted in a controversial constitutional amendment passed in 2016 that lifted the presidential term limit. While the amendment was later declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court, the decision was quietly ignored, allowing Đukanović to remain in office. The article notes that the court’s ruling was “overlooked and ignored,” a situation that has further inflamed opposition ire.

In response, the National Front has drafted a comprehensive constitutional reform proposal that seeks to restore term limits, strengthen the role of the parliament, and increase judicial independence. The coalition is demanding an early election and a re‑draft of the constitution under a “super‑majority” of independent legislators. The author emphasizes that, should these demands be met, Montenegro could see a dramatic shift away from a de facto single‑party rule toward a more pluralistic system.

International Stakeholders and EU Aspirations

Montenegro’s position on the international stage—particularly its accession talks with the European Union—adds another layer of complexity. The article quotes European Commission officials who have repeatedly warned the Montenegrin government that “failure to address rule‑of‑law concerns will stall EU membership.” The European Parliament’s latest country assessment report, released in February, criticized the government’s handling of the judicial reforms, citing “persistent interference by the executive in the judiciary.”

In addition to EU criticism, the article brings in the United Nations Human Rights Council, which has issued a statement urging Montenegro to “respect civil liberties and human rights.” The council’s commentary is framed around the recent crackdown on opposition activists and the widespread arrests of journalists.

Đukanović’s Counter‑Narrative

Despite the mounting pressure, Milo Đukanović maintains a resolute stance. In a televised interview quoted in the piece, he dismissed the protests as “organized political manipulation” aimed at destabilizing the nation. He reiterated his commitment to “building a stable and prosperous Montenegro” and claimed that the opposition’s calls for reform “exacerbate national unity and economic growth.” Đukanović also pointed to Montenegro’s successful NATO accession in 2017 and its “stable democratic system” as proof of the government’s legitimacy.

The article provides a brief look into Đukanović’s social media strategy, noting that his accounts have amassed over 70,000 followers on Facebook. He uses these platforms to broadcast his message of national progress, often emphasizing the country’s rapid economic development, foreign investment inflows, and rising tourism numbers.

The Economic Backdrop

While the political crisis is front‑and‑center, the author does not ignore the economic dimension. Montenegro’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism and energy exports, has been under pressure due to a 2023 recession. The government’s policy package, aimed at boosting foreign investment and stabilizing the currency, has faced criticism from opposition figures who claim it favors elite interests. Critics point out that large portions of the budget have been funneled into state‑owned enterprises, while smaller businesses struggle to secure financing.

The article cites a recent report from the International Monetary Fund that praised Montenegro’s fiscal discipline but warned that “political instability could erode investor confidence.” In this context, the opposition’s call for systemic reform is portrayed not only as a moral imperative but also as an economic necessity.

What’s Next?

The piece closes by mapping possible scenarios. If Đukanović can convince the opposition to accept a mediated constitutional overhaul, Montenegro may experience a peaceful transition toward a more balanced power structure. Conversely, if the protests intensify and the government fails to make meaningful concessions, the country could spiral into deeper unrest, jeopardizing its EU accession and attracting harsher international criticism.

In sum, the article underscores that Milo Đukanović’s presidency is at a crossroads. The pressure coming from within Montenegro—through public protests, judicial challenges, and opposition coalitions—alongside the external demands of the EU and global human‑rights bodies, could ultimately shape the nation’s political architecture for decades. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain fixed on Podgorica, watching whether a decade of Đukanović’s rule will end in a decisive institutional shift or a deepening authoritarian retreat.