Djukanovic Expects Tough Battle for Montenegrin Capital

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, head of the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, said the struggle to seek control of Podgorica will be "the toughest election battle" his party has faced since the independence referendum back in 2006. 

On Monday, the DPS held its first campaign for the local elections. They will take place in 11 municipalities but the outcome in Podgorica will be seen as crucial in determining the future balance of power nationally.

The spring elections in Podgorica are a key test for the DPS-led coalition at national level, after the DPS's longtime ally, the smaller Social Democratic Party, hatched an agreement with the opposition Positive Montenegro party.

The Podgorica elections will be key test for the opposition as well, after it took control of two municipalities in Montenegro earlier this year.

Dukanovic said his party would not only be defending the capital in the elections but the whole state. He also accused the opposition of irresponsibly trying to "destabilize the country.

"We cannot allow ourselves to be blackmailed by anyone. Podgorica should not be a cause of instability in Montenegro," he said.