Jovanović: Milatović is unfit for the office he holds
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović is unfit for the office he holds. His behaviour is driven purely by a search for public support among Montenegro’s citizens. At times he presents himself as pro-European, while at others he behaves like a classic populist - columnist and publicist Slobodan Jovanović said while appearing on the programme „At the end of the day“ („Na kraju dana“) on E Television.
Jovanović was commenting on Milatović’s statement made on the E Television programme „Crosswords“ („Ukrštene riječi“), in which the president said he did not support the controversial documentary „Referendum - The Story of an Imagined Freedom“, produced by the non-governmental organisation Centre for Social Stability, and that he had not publicly reacted because he believed the president was not obliged to respond to every issue.
- He did not find it appropriate to react to offensive and threatening content coming from Serbia, yet he called for an investigation into alleged cigarette smuggling, even though that is not within his jurisdiction but rather a matter for the judiciary. Moreover, the decision to allow cigarette transit through Montenegro was approved by his political idol, then-President Momir Bulatović - Jovanović said.
He also argued that, when awarding decorations during the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s restored independence, Milatović „completely bypassed the two individuals most responsible for the restoration of independence - Slavko Perović and Milo Đukanović“.
- The two men who contributed the most to Montenegro’s independence are Slavko Perović and Milo Đukanović. Although Milatović has no kind words for them and stated that he voted „Yes“ with all his heart, if he truly did so, then he must also acknowledge what Njegoš described as time being the ultimate sieve. It is clear that Đukanović will remain in history as the person most responsible for the restoration of Montenegro’s independence and for the country’s accession to NATO. As for how Milatović will be remembered in history, that remains to be seen - Jovanović said.
Commenting on the controversial documentary, Jovanović added that distorting facts and appropriating Montenegro and Montenegrin heritage is not a practice confined to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić alone.
- This also applies to television stations that are considered independent. For example, when they present Serbian painters and include Dado Đurić among the most important Serbian artists, such as N1 television does. What is there left to discuss after that - Jovanović asked.