Oct 22, 2024 – Pro-Serb political parties in Montenegro’s government are advocating for Serbian to be recognized as an official language, following a recent census that showed it is the most spoken language in the country. Serbian was identified as the native language of 43% of the population, surpassing Montenegrin, which is spoken by 34.5% of residents.
Under the current constitution, Montenegrin is the only official language, while Serbian, along with Bosnian, Croatian, and Albanian, is classified as being “in official use.” Those who support the change argue that the widespread use of Serbian justifies granting it equal status with Montenegrin, including in schools and government institutions.
The move has reignited debates over national identity and ethnic divisions, with some seeing it as an effort to reverse Montenegro’s cultural independence following its separation from Serbia in 2006. Critics warn that it could deepen political and social rifts in the country, where the balance between Montenegrin and Serbian identity has long been a sensitive issue.
While the potential impact on Montenegro’s political landscape remains unclear, the language debate could influence future relations between the country’s Montenegrin majority and its sizable Serbian minority, as well as its positioning within the broader region.
