Montenegro, a nation grappling with misconceptions, has witnessed the profound impact of these misunderstandings on public opinion and the political landscape. Many of these delusions stem from successful Russian and Serbian propaganda campaigns aimed at reshaping Montenegro's societal values. The ultimate goal is to redirect Montenegro away from its Western orientation, making it susceptible to control from Belgrade and Moscow.
Delusion 1: "Our churches and saints are safe."
While Montenegrins cherish their churches and saints as part of their heritage, these symbols are sometimes used to stoke nationalism and create divisions. Ownership of church properties and revenues has shifted to the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade, which influences Montenegro through financial support for aligned political parties and individuals. The narrative that these churches have always belonged to Serbia disregards Montenegro's history and citizen rights.
Delusion 2: "Our sea is secure."
Concerns about losing control of coastal areas and the Adriatic Sea resonate with Montenegrins. While a physical takeover is unlikely, the Serbian state's influence through corrupt politicians and initiatives like Open Balkans is worrisome. Misused, this could give Belgrade control over the sea, undermining sovereignty and political interests. Corruption also threatens autonomy and control over maritime resources.
Delusion 3: "Milo (and DPS) is to blame."
Blaming all challenges on former President Milo Đukanović oversimplifies Montenegro's politics. During his tenure as PM, Montenegro's institutions achieved notable progress, including EU integration and NATO membership. However, in the last three years since the change of government and the rise of pro-SerbSvet parties, there has been a noticeable deterioration of state institutions. Some analysts even suggest that the decline of institutions after his tenure was orchestrated by SerbSvet Services.
Delusion 4: Religious Nationalism
Misguided religious nationalism suggests ethnic/religious groups can't coexist. This belief divides patriotic Montenegrins supporting independence and those favoring assimilation into Greater Serbia. Influences from the Serbian Orthodox Church amplify this through ethnic nationalist rhetoric.
Delusion 5: Euro-Atlantic Integration
Montenegro aspires to EU membership but unrealistic promises, corruption, and external influences hinder progress. SrbSvet exploits these delusions for its interests.
Delusion 6: Party Patronage
Party patronage prioritizes loyalty over meritocracy, undermining efficiency. Parties associated with SrbSvet promote this, focusing on their own interests. Over the past three years, party-based appointments have surged, filling institutions and public service companies with individuals whose primary qualification is their affiliation with Serbian Orthodox Church or SrbSvet-affiliated parties.
Delusion 7: State Capture
Influential groups manipulating politics foster corruption and undermine trust. The most prominent external force in Montenegro is the Serbian Orthodox Church, which perpetuates this delusion and hampers democracy. With significant financial gains from improperly acquired state-owned property and overseen from Belgrade, it steers Montenegro's government to prioritize SerbSvet's agenda.
Delusion 8: Economic Transformation
Overemphasizing large projects and foreign investments neglects well-rounded economic approaches, resulting in disparities. Serbia capitalizes on these misconceptions to exert economic influence. This has contributed to the rise of populist movements and parties like Evropa Sad, whose unrealistic pledges to voters risk destabilizing society and endangering the economy further.