Montenegro’s parliament on Thursday voted in a new minority government, the first in its history, with a one-year mandate to prepare for next spring’s early elections.
The leader, Dritan Abazovic, was elected Prime Minister by 45 votes in the 81-seat chamber, supported by his own coalition, the pro-Serbian Socialist People’s Party and the former opposition Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, the Social Democratic Party, the Bosniak Party and two ethnic Albanian coalitions.
The opposition Social Democrats voted against electing the government, while the two largest opposition blocs, For the Future of Montenegro and Peace is Our Nation, which dominated the last government, boycotted the vote.
Abazovic said his new government would speed up reforms and EU integration, stressing that the polarized country needed political and social stability.
“I will lead an active political dialogue to improve the atmosphere in society and reduce the country’s polarization. I do not agree that Montenegro should be divided into two opposing sides, but develop as a civil state with respect for all differences,” Abazovic said.
The new government has four Deputy Prime Ministers and 20 ministers.
Abazovic promised economic development and rule of law would be his focus. “We will focus on the fight against organised crime and widespread corruption. With our strong political will and strengthening international cooperation, I expect even better results,” he said.