The political landscape in Montenegro has been thrown into disarray following a fallout between two former allies, Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and President Milo Djukanovic. This rift has not only disrupted the country’s efforts to join the European Union but has also heightened concerns about increased pro-Russian influence in the region.
The dispute between Markovic and Djukanovic stems from a power struggle within the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS). Markovic, a former ally of Djukanovic, was unceremoniously removed from his position as Prime Minister, leading to a split within the party and creating uncertainty about the country’s political future.
Montenegro, a small Balkan nation, has been pursuing EU membership for several years, with ambitions to align itself more closely with Western allies and distance itself from Russia. However, the recent rift between Markovic and Djukanovic has thrown these ambitions into doubt, as the country’s political instability could hinder progress in its EU accession process.
Furthermore, the fallout has raised concerns about the growing influence of Russia in Montenegro, with some fearing that the country’s internal divisions could be exploited by Moscow to further its own interests in the region. Russia has been accused of meddling in Montenegro’s affairs in the past, including an alleged coup attempt in 2016 aimed at derailing the country’s NATO membership.
As Montenegro grapples with internal political turmoil, observers are watching closely to see how the country will navigate these challenges and whether it will be able to overcome the obstacles to achieving its EU aspirations while fending off external influences.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com
