The end of the Djukanovic era: Milatović becomes the new president of Montenegro

He is considered a reformer and is only 36 years old: Jakov Milatović of the “Europe Now” movement has been elected the new president of Montenegro. This ends the reign of Milo Djukanovic after more than 30 years.

It’s the end of an era in the tiny Adriatic nation of Montenegro: After more than 30 years in power – most recently as president – Milo Djukanovic has been voted out. According to the latest forecasts, the clear winner in the presidential run-off is 36-year-old Jakov Milatović, the candidate of the young Europe Now movement.

Wolfgang Fichtel
ARD Studio Vienna

Milatović benefited from the growing mood of change among the 540,000 eligible voters. After the first ballot he was clearly behind, but in the run-off he was supported not only by his pro-European supporters, but also by the pro-Serb parties and the Serbian Orthodox Church, which Belgrade controls.

Milatović studied economics in the United States and Europe, and worked at Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt and at the European Reconstruction Bank in London. Considered a reformer, he was briefly Montenegro’s minister of economic affairs, and won mayoral elections in the capital, Podgorica, long considered a Djukanovic stronghold.

Milatovic wants to speed up accession talks with the European Union

The change from long-term ruler Djukanovic to the previously unknown young politician Milatović should have an impact on the parliamentary elections in June. As the political camps are deadlocked, there is currently only one transitional government for Montenegro. Milatović and his Europe Now movement want to change that. With its policy, it is also accelerating talks with the European Union on accession, which have been delayed for 11 years.