Vučević: Political Attitudes Harming Relations Between Brotherly Serbia and Montenegro

President of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and Advisor to the President Miloš Vučević emphasized the need to make a clear distinction between the people of Montenegro and the government of Montenegro. In this statement, Vučević noted that confusing the Montenegrin people with the current political administration in the country would be wrong, claiming that the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, had shown his true face and political vision. With these words, he implied that the ongoing tension between the two brotherly countries stems not from a problem between the peoples, but from government policies. Vučević recalled Serbia's historical, religious, and cultural ties with Montenegro and opposed the attitudes of political leaders that damage these bonds. Regarding the issue, Vučević stated that while the two countries are 'brothers,' he believes the current political orientations are testing this relationship.

The fuse of the discussion was ignited when Montenegrin authorities banned a media executive from Serbia from entering the country. Vučević criticized Montenegro for not allowing Dragan Vučićević, the editor and manager of the 'Informer' newspaper, into the country, arguing that no state should implement such a practice. He stated that it is wrong to establish a connection between disliking a media outlet's publication policy and imposing an entry ban on that media's representatives. Vučević said that if Serbia were to impose entry bans on Montenegrin editors and journalists who criticize Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, it would be a completely wrong step and unbecoming of brotherly countries. Evaluating the incident in the context of press freedom and diplomatic courtesy, Vučević particularly emphasized that the attitude displayed by the opposing side was not 'bratski,' i.e., brotherly. He expressed concern that the ban in question would cast a shadow over the warm relations between the two peoples.

One of the most striking parts of Vučević's statements was the harsh criticism directed at Milojko Spajić's political identity. Suggesting that Spajić had dropped his political masks and was now showing his true political face to everyone, Vučević argued that the Serbian people should not put the Montenegrin government and the Montenegrin people in the same basket. Reminding that both peoples share the same religion, traditions, and roots, Vučević noted that this sense of 'čojstvo' (loyalty and chivalry) should not be exploited by political leaders, but on the contrary, Spajić and his team are pursuing a policy that undermines this spirituality. Referencing Montenegro's past reputation, Vučević implied that the current administration was not exhibiting a demeanor worthy of that reputation. The purpose of making this distinction was to continue criticisms against the political power while preserving the brotherhood between the peoples.

Taking his political discourse a step further, Vučević also stated that current events do not comply with European Union (EU) standards and the process of integration with Europe. He said that such steps taken by Montenegro would not contribute to the path of EU membership, but rather could create obstacles in this process. Vučević argued that the silence of the international public in the face of injustices or violations against Serbs creates a worrying normalization. He warned that if silence is maintained, such behaviors could become an accepted 'normal.' For this reason, he claimed that Serbia also has the right to prepare a similar list within its own borders and ban writers and journalists who use the harshest expressions against Serbia. However, he implied that Serbia has not and will not resort to such a path because they value media freedom and civil conduct more.

Finally, Vučević concluded his remarks by defending Serbia's stance on democracy and media freedom. He recalled that no one is banned in their own country, and that media organizations from China, America, Russia, as well as Croatia and Montenegro operate in Serbia. Proposing that Serbia is a 'bastion of civilized behavior' (bastion civilizovanog ponašanja) in this regard, he called their preparation of 'secret lists' to exclude certain individuals a trick and a deception (obmana i prevare). In summary, Vučević claimed that Serbia has a more transparent and tolerant approach, while the Montenegrin government tries to hide this fact with its restrictions on the media.