Zdravko Krivokapic

Game of Thrones

A protestor waves an EU and a Bulgarian flag during an anti-government protest in front of the Council of Ministers in Sofia, Bulgaria, 29 July 2020. EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

Protests in front of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sport in the town of Cetinje. Photo: Ljubo Filipovic

With the departure of Hashim Thaci, Kosovo's former president, to The Hague in November 2020 to face war crimes charges, and Vetevendosje's victory in early parliamentary elections in February, one might think that things will never be the same. It seems that we are putting the years of stagnation behind us and moving forward.

Protests in the town of Tuzi against the government health measures. Photo: BIRN/Samir Kajosevic

Protesters called on the government to withdraw its decision to prohibit the work of cafes and restaurants in the town. Police forces are currently deployed in the town where the cafes are still working, despite the ban.

Montenegrin PM Zdravko Krivokapic at a parliamentary session in Podgorica. Photo: Parliament of Montenegro

On Wednesday, leaders of the Front, the largest coalition in the ruling majority, warned the government that if it did not adopt the law and dismiss the special state prosecutor, it will not vote for the state budget or other law proposals.

The new government, a coalition of three political blocs who together control 41 of parliament's 81 seats, has vowed to uphold the rule of law, get to the bottom of a string of corruption scandals and end the climate of impunity surrounding attacks on journalists.

On February 7, the Montenegrin government said they terminated concession contracts for seven hydro plants in the northern part of the country, stressing that five of the investors already filed lawsuits against the state. The Government said they will have to pay compensation to investors, accusing former authorities of making spontaneous hydropower construction planning.

Special Prosecutor Milivoje Katnic (centre) at a press conference in Podgorica. Photo: PR Centar.

"A case was established at the Special State Prosecutor's Office and a pre-investigation process has been launched. More information and data cannot be disclosed in order to protect the criminal proceedings," the Special Prosecutor's Office told BIRN.

Montenegrin PM Zdravko Krivokapic on the press conference in Podgorica. Photo: Government of Montenegro

Krivokapic also called again on Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to visit Montenegro and show good will for cooperation.

But analysts see a bid by Djukanovic to consolidate his party ranks before a crucial congress on January 23 and rally his base before a first electoral test in Montenegro's second city, Niksic, in March.