Oct 25, 2024 – The pro-Russian Democratic Front (DF) in Montenegro has warned Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj of potential expulsion from the government following his opposition to initiatives advocating for dual citizenship and recognizing Serbian as an official language.
In a statement, the DF advised Gjeloshaj to “accept the social reality in Montenegro” and cautioned that if he continues to resist their demands, he may “bite off more than he can chew.” The DF is part of the current government coalition and has been pushing for policies that align more closely with pro-Russian sentiments.
Gjeloshaj, who also serves as the Minister of Economic Development, was recently in Washington, where he signed a Memorandum for Strategic Economic Cooperation between Montenegro and the USA. During a meeting with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Balkans, Alexander Kasanof, he raised concerns about “potentially destabilizing activities” from clerical-nationalist factions that could jeopardize Montenegro’s European integration efforts.
In an interview with Voice of America, Gjeloshaj criticized the DF’s proposals to amend the Law on Montenegrin citizenship and introduce legislation similar to Russia’s Law on Foreign Agents, claiming such moves could hinder Montenegro’s path toward the European Union. He emphasized that any decisions contradicting EU and U.S. policies would mark “red lines” for his party’s continued involvement in the government.
Since the recent government reconstitution in July, which saw the DF and Bosnian Party join the coalition, pro-Russian parties have acquired two deputy prime minister positions and three ministerial roles. Despite this coalition, the DF’s actions have drawn protests from neighboring countries, including Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, prompting diplomatic tensions.
The DF has advocated for dual citizenship agreements with Serbia and other countries, claiming it reflects the desires of their diaspora. Gjeloshaj, however, has rejected this narrative, branding it a “chauvinist project” that threatens to reshape Montenegro’s national identity. He stressed that Albanians in Montenegro do not support the creation of a “Serbian world” or similar nationalist ideologies.
Furthermore, Gjeloshaj has firmly opposed changing the Constitution to elevate Serbian to an official language alongside Montenegrin, a move that he believes would exacerbate divisions within the country. He criticized efforts to influence how citizens identify during the population census, stating, “Montenegro is a democratic country, and it has the right to think, to feel…”
The DF responded to Gjeloshaj’s comments, accusing him of expressing “chauvinism towards the Serbian people in Montenegro” and asserting their right to remain in government despite his opposition.
