WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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SOURCE: ANTENA M – AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS
The Tenth Congress of the Democratic Party of Socialists is underway in the hall of the University Cultural Center, which is being held under the slogan "Dignified! Reliable! Strong!".
The Congress, which was opened by the party president Danijel Živković, began with the singing of the national anthem of Montenegro.
Those present paid tribute to those killed in the tragedy in Cetinje with a minute of silence, as well as to the members and friends of the DPS who passed away between the two congresses.
548 delegates are participating in the work of the Congress.
After the ceremonial part in which the largest party gathering of the DPS was greeted by representatives of political parties from Montenegro and neighboring countries, DPS president Danijel Živković spoke, and then the working part of the Congress, which is closed to the media, began. The press conference is announced for 6:30 p.m.
DPS President Danijel Živković said at the beginning of his address that a lot has changed in Montenegro in the period between the two congresses.
"From a country that until August 2020 was an example of political stability and economic prosperity, a reliable neighbor and a respected member of NATO, uncompromisingly and clearly focused on the European Union as its natural home, we have become an unstable country, institutionally and economically destroyed, security threatened both externally and internally. At odds with our closest neighbors, a country whose ruling majority, without a vision and clear strategic direction, subordinates the fate of the state and its citizens to its political interests, armchairs and the smallest privileges," said Živković.
He reminded that three governments have also changed.
"The first, expert, formed on a wave of manipulation of religious feelings, ended its mandate in just one year, remaining in that short time as a reminder of incompetence, unprofessionalism and complete amateurism. The second, minority, lost trust in a little more than 100 days because it subordinated the European path for which it received the support of the Democratic Party of Socialists to the interests of certain regional addresses. Currently, there is a third government, which, with a nationalist platform and populist policy, is corroding not only the economic and financial substance of society, but also eroding the values that are the foundation of modern Montenegro - civic character, anti-fascism and multiethnic democracy," said Živković.
The DPS leader pointed out that a decades-old constant has not changed.
"The Democratic Party of Socialists, despite the shameless attacks, revengeful feasts, shameful attacks on our members, has remained the strongest party on the political scene all these years, which, although it has been operating in opposition for the fifth year, is still the pillar of defense of the values on which today's Montenegro is based," said the DPS leader.
He also announced that the DPS uncompromisingly defends the right that "the fate of Montenegro is decided exclusively in Montenegro."
"Montenegro would have already succumbed if it were not for the strong resistance of the DPS. We provided that resistance together," said Živković.
He also said that the DPS is not sinless and that they speak clearly about their shortcomings, but when they see the work of the governments in the last four years, then their mistakes, as he adds, were not so great.
"The series of local elections last year showed that we are on the right track and that support for our policies is growing, so we ended last year with almost 29 percent support," said Živković, adding that he expects a better result in the elections in Nikšić.
He also stated that the DPS needed this opposition status because, as he says, it motivated them to be better and to work harder on changes in the party.
Živković expressed gratitude to former DPS leader Milo Đukanović.
"We owe you special gratitude, Mr. Djukanovic. Not only for the historical achievements and accomplishments that our party has achieved under your leadership, but also for the fact that in 2016 you opened space for a new political generation that has since matured and taken over the leadership of the party. Your goodwill and, we can safely say, the paternal approach that you have had towards us from day one, as well as the invaluable help that you continue to provide us today through your experiences and advice, especially oblige us to be worthy of the trust that you have shown us," said Živković.
"We continue on with dignity! Reliably! Strongly! To new victories for the Democratic Party of Socialists, and to new successes for our state house! May Montenegro be eternal!", said Živković.
Stefan Loven, President of the Party of European Socialists, stated in a letter of support that Montenegro's path towards the EU is a clear reflection of the hard work that the DPS stands for.
“Your 10-point program is a testament to your support for social democracy. It covers all areas of life in Montenegro, ensuring that no one is left behind. I want to emphasize the importance of your commitment to direct involvement of society. This is not just a political strategy, it is a reflection of our belief in the power of collective action,” Lowen emphasized.
He recalled that the far-right reality around the world, and Trump's return to the White House is another blow to the foundations of democracy.
He said that the DPS can count on his parties in the fight to protect democracy. "And the socialists will do it together. In a world of uncertainty and instability, we must continue to stand with progressive forces around the world," Löfven emphasized.
Katarina Barli, Vice President of the Party of European Socialists and Member of the European Parliament for the SPD Germany, sent a message of support from Strasbourg and expressed her deepest condolences to the victims of the massacre that occurred on January 1 this year.
"In the last 15 years, you as a party, as well as your representatives in the Parliament and the Government, have played a key role on Montenegro's path to EU membership, in Montenegro's membership in NATO and in ensuring Montenegro's Western orientation. DPS can be proud of this. Especially with the Russian aggression in Ukraine, we need Montenegro on the side of the EU, on the side of democracy, freedom and stability. "I am sure that you will continue to play this constructive role in the European integration process and for a socially just Montenegro," Barli said in her message, congratulating the DPS leadership on the reforms within the party and encouraging them to further deepen the process of strengthening democracy, participation and debate on the party's programmatic vision. Nenad Čanak from the League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina said that he would be much calmer if there was a party like DPS in Serbia, because then he would know that the energy from the streets would be transformed into something that would result in changes. "This is not the time for any of the greats of our time, this is the time for new people, for young people. Everyone has the right to their own revolution," said Čanak, adding that Montenegro must be the spark that will ignite the fire of civilization, it must once again be a refuge for those fleeing madness.
"Someone says that there will be no Montenegro, and you are witnesses that there will be Montenegro... You know the rest," said Čanak.
Damir Šehović from SD said that their arrival was an expression of respect for the joint results that have been achieved, which are historic in nature.
"However, this is a clear signal that this is not a Congress of one party, this is our common voice of resistance, which says that Montenegro will not surrender or be sold. "It does not retreat from those who brought about a time of destruction, where attempts are being made to destroy the values on which this country has rested since the restoration of independence," said Šehović.
The President of the HGI Adrijan Vuksanović said that the congress of each party is an opportunity to review all the achievements of the past.
"Today we can be proud of everything we have achieved together - the restoration of Montenegrin independence, Montenegro's entry into NATO and the establishment of Montenegro on the European path, towards European integration. All of these are eternal values for Montenegro, its society and citizens," said Vuksanović.
The leader of DUA, Mehmed Zenka, said that the party has never changed its course of action, and that it is the first party to say yes to Montenegro.
"I wish you to be the locomotive of preserving all values. I wish you to emerge stronger from this congress," he said.
Fatmir Đeka said that they have cooperated with the DPS for decades, and that this cooperation is good.
"This country needs stability and a lot of work. I am convinced that better days are coming for this country, we are obliged to work on it together," he said.
Genci Nimanbegu on behalf of FORCE said that they must act together, long-term, wisely and courageously.
"By electing Živković, you will gain quality. May your decisions be wise and courageous," he said.
Jasmin Ćorović on behalf of BS said that the tenth congress is a duration that few parties can boast of.
"We are proud of all the joint results and cooperation that we have had with all of you. Our program goals coincide, so it is not surprising that a large number of smaller peoples support DPS. I am convinced that you will last a long time and be an important political factor in Montenegro," he said.
Sead Šahman on behalf of BDP said that Bosniaks influenced Montenegro's European path and were a key factor in Montenegro's membership in NATO.
"On behalf of BDP, I wish you happy work, with the intention of choosing the best among you," he said.
