In an interview with EURACTIV, Sergej Sekulovic, the Minister of Interior of Montenegro, discussed the reliability of the new Montenegrin government by Western partners, the alleged coup attempt in 2016, the difficult relationship with Serbia, and the European Commission Concerns about the latest report on the country’s accession process.
Since December 4, 2020, Sergei Sekulovich has been the Minister of the Interior of the Cabinet of Zdravko Krivokapić.He has a master’s degree in human rights and is a citizen activist by birth.
On October 28th, he had a conversation with Georgi Gotev, senior editor of EURACTIV, in Brussels.
You are from the civil society department-this is not common for the Minister of the Interior. Do you find your post comfortable?
Yes, it is unusual for someone from the Bar Association and Civil Society to become the Minister of the Interior. There is a certain character conflict. Although from a psychological point of view, I think it has nothing to do with me. But of course, this is a challenging task. Because I come from civil society and from Bar, I came with my ideas. I even think that this kind of role conflict can create an interesting dynamic.
This is why I am looking forward to an interesting interview.We read in the newspapers Your western partners, NATO, the United States, have no confidence in the new government. How do you respond?
This is information in semi-official characters. On the one hand, I understand the concerns of our Western partners. Because trust is built through actions, and actions must truly reflect your values. Indeed, in the past year, Montenegrin society has been entering what I call the threshold stage. This is a psychological term. There is no way out. And we don’t know what lies ahead. We are in a state of social shock.
Because this is the first change in the government in 30 years. I confirm that I agree with the fact that this government should be subject to certain supervision. Because this can only add up to quality. Montenegro is a small society with weak institutions, insufficient construction, lack of a culture of political dialogue, and an open attitude to influences. Unfortunately, in a sense, we need further guidance. I will explain it this way.
So you have a positive attitude towards this criticism?
I look at it from a positive perspective. Time is the best indicator. The same is true for the promise of this government or any future Montenegrin government, because in the next few years, Montenegro will experience several governments that should show true dedication to democratic values.
As you said, the previous elites have been in power for 30 years, which is a long time for democracy. Now that there is a new government, it is under attack. Is this a bad thing about the former elite?
I believe that the former elites still cannot accept the fact that they are no longer the dominant majority. When I say that I have not returned to the old way, I mean that I have not returned to the old system of managing the country. Thirty years is a long time. Many people have integrated into the country. They even think that without them, the country cannot exist. They think it is only a matter of time before they come back. This is a wrong assumption. New developments have emerged in front of Montenegro. It is not necessarily positive, but it is open.
Therefore, we cannot go back to the old way. The new way needs to demonstrate the ability of Montenegrin society to build professional and strong institutions, accept the culture of political dialogue and create an inclusive society where no one wants. Feeling discriminated against.
When you say that you cannot go back, do you also think of the era when Montenegro and Serbia were one country, or the situation before Montenegro became a member of NATO?
When I say that I have not gone back in time, I am mainly referring to the government model. Montenegrin society must understand how democracy works. There are two basic premises: power is limited and replaceable, and it must be censored. I hope that the sovereignty of Montenegro will not be questioned in any way in the future. But even today, it is one of the burdens of Montenegrin society. Unfortunately, I don’t think it is closed.
For those who understand the history of the Balkans, Montenegro has been a territory of smuggling and gangs for centuries. Some people say that the former leaders are related to such plans. As the Minister of the Interior, what do you think of this situation?
Montenegro has a serious organized crime problem. There is no doubt that organized criminal groups are making extensive use of corruption in the public sector. And breaking these links is the basic task of the Ministry of the Interior. If we do not do this, Montenegrin society will be enslaved no matter who is in power.
So is there a risk?
Yes.
Do you have a difficult job?
Very so.
How do you hope to succeed?
I believe that the solution lies in teamwork. Under the strong coordination of the national authorities, it is composed of professionals and honest people who will gain the trust of Western partners. Otherwise, we will not be able to solve the problem. With internal coordination, reliable external partners, and the political will to break the link between corruption and organized crime, Montenegro has a chance.
What about foreign mafia? The Russian Mafia?
According to our operating data, they are not a major issue.
So the question is your own mafia?
Yes, this is correct, but I want to add that the mafia we are mainly focused on is also part of the large multinational mafia.
What happened during the investigation 2016 failed coup in Russia?
The procedure is being carried out under the jurisdiction of the first instance. The decision has been cancelled and court proceedings are currently in progress. I don’t want to make any further comments, so as not to affect the court process.
[In 2019, the Higher Court sentenced 13 people after finding them guilty of plotting to commit ″terrorist acts″, also of “undermining the constitutional order of Montenegro”. In February 2021, the appellate court annulled the first instance verdict on all counts of the indictment.]
Can you tell me Recent tensions with Serbia?
I want to say that Serbia, with all its capabilities, whether it is intelligence or economy, should become the locomotive of other countries’ economic development. On the other hand, Serbia should respect the national identity and dignity of surrounding countries.
The European Commission has issued an annual “progress report” on the process of joining the European Union.How do you comment Report on Montenegro, Maybe in judicial and internal affairs?
My basic conclusion is that the report is fairly objective.From the standpoint of the Minister of the Interior, I can say that about Chapter 24 We are praised in many places. However, the report aptly pointed out that the current situation has many areas for improvement. The institutional crisis of the judiciary must be resolved through political dialogue, and Montenegrin society must show the ability to solve the most complex problems. The situation presented in a modern way. This will not become a political agreement between political parties, but is in the interest of society. This is the only way for Montenegro to become a serious modern political community.
[Edited by Zoran Radosavljevic]
