The political spat between Jakov Milatović and Milojko Spajić, once united under the Europe Now banner, appears to be a public display of a deeper political game. Despite their public fallout, their political roots remain firmly anchored in the same soil — the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) and its ideological framework. This framework, closely linked to the Serbian nationalist cause and pro-Russian sympathies, raises questions about whether their division is genuine or a strategic move to manipulate Montenegrin civic voters.
This pattern of political theater is eerily reminiscent of a similar exercise conducted in previous elections, where Dritan Abazović and his party, URA, were marketed as reformist and civic-minded, only for him to later serve as a Trojan horse for Serbian nationalism. Abazović, once touted as a figure of change, helped steer the nation in a direction that allowed for greater Serbian and pro-Russian influence. Many fear that Milatović is now playing a similar role, positioning himself as a pro-Reformist leader, while in reality, being an instrument for the same nationalist objectives.
In the current situation, Milatović, despite his pro-Reform rhetoric, shares a background with Spajić rooted in the SOC’s influence, a historically powerful institution in Montenegro’s politics. Both have drawn support from conservative and nationalist elements, and their policies have often aligned more closely than their recent spat suggests. Milatović’s purported fallout with Spajić could be seen as a tactic to attract Montenegrin civic voters, who are traditionally wary of Serbian nationalism and pro-Russian sentiments. By presenting himself as a “reformist” breaking away from the pro-Russian government, Milatović may be attempting to win over those who would otherwise be suspicious of his connections to the SOC.
For many Montenegrins, this strategy is transparent. The political landscape in the country has long been a battleground between pro-European, civic-minded factions and the pro-Serbian, pro-Russian alliance. The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), a long-standing champion of Montenegrin sovereignty, leads the pro-civic and pro-Montenegrin political forces. Despite the current turbulence, these forces remain robust and poised for a strong showing in upcoming local elections, including the all-important contest in the capital, Podgorica. Their resilience signals that many Montenegrins recognize the pattern of political manipulation at play.
While the Milatović-Spajić conflict may dominate headlines, it is crucial to remember that Montenegrin voters are no strangers to these political maneuvers. The nation has repeatedly been targeted by figures claiming reformist agendas, only to align themselves with nationalist goals once in power. This time, however, the pro-European, civic forces have learned from the past and are prepared to resist such tactics.