Page 18 - SE Outlook Regions 2022

economic organisations controlled by Moscow, primarily the Eurasian
Economic Community (EEC). The new government in Chisinau
discontinued the country’s participation as an observing member to
EEC meetings while concomitantly intensifying diplomatic ties with the
European organisations, pinpointed by Sandu’s frequent visits to
Brussels and other European countries. Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu
visiting Moscow expressed cautious and moderate positions, seen by
some as too moderate particularly in regard to the Russian troops in
the Moldovan separatist republic of Transnistria.

1.7 Politics - Montenegro

Montenegro currently has its first government that is not formed by
President Milo Djukanovic’s Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS).
Although it came to power in December 2020 with promises significant
reforms, the new government has become a hostage in the huge
differences between the political parties forming the ruling coalition. It
comprises 20 parties, from those with pro-Russian and anti-EU and
Nato orientations to civic and pro-Western formations. They were all
united by the common desire to oust the DPS, which had ruled the
country for over three decades.

Through 2021 it became apparent that the government was unable to
carry out significant reforms and, despite initial indications it would be
able to fight top-level corruption, so far there have been no serious
steps in that direction. The country has been urged to undertake
significant reforms to meet the EU’s standards in terms of rule of law in
order to advance in the EU membership talks.

It is still not clear how long the government will last. The ruling coalition
has been shaken by constant crises and one of the biggest parties —
the pro-Russian Democratic Front (DF) — is seeking an early election
or change of leadership. However, the rest of the ruling parties oppose
these ideas.

The DPS, meanwhile, is waiting and watching for its chance to return to
power. Towards the end of 2020, it announced plans for a
no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic's
government but gave up the idea in December after finding out it would
not gain enough support. Should the balance of power shift, the DPS
can be expected to make a fresh attempt to remove Krivokapic.

Despite its differences, Montenegro’s government has drafted a plan
aiming to reform the country and raise the standard of living, which,
however, got mixed reactions from international institutions. The Europe
Now plan for reforms is ambitious and has highly desirable goals but
also carries risks that could be moderated if it is implemented in phases
and not in a single step, according to the IMF.

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