The new Montenegro President Milo Đukanović is one of the best politicians in the region, a man whom the region needs and who will be, I am certain, one of the bigger names in the European Union as well. Presidents of small nations are quite important in the EU, as small states cannot prove their might with territory or population, but through force of argument and capable, decisive leaders with a clear vision, contributing to the progress of all European citizens. This was the statement for Dnevne Novine daily by Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković, during whose mandate the capital of Slovenia received a line of awards and has become one of the most beautiful and recognizable towns of the European Union.
His statements of stability and progress being key instil trust with citizens, as they come from a serious politician who led Montenegro to independence and NATO membership. All this, as Janković says, is clear to Montenegro citizens.
“This is why his support is so strong. I am convinced that in the next five years, during his mandate, Montenegro will enter the European Union. This will be an exemplary achievement for such a small nation. I wish your new President and Montenegro all the best,” emphasized Janković.
The Ljubljana Mayor says he followed the presidential elections, as well as election night events and voting results. He was surprised by the behaviour of opposition candidates and the absence of a democratic and political mannerism.
“I really was taken aback when his opponents did not want to congratulate him on a win made at free and democratic elections which took place in a peaceful and tolerant atmosphere. In such an atmosphere Mr Đukanović made a respectful result. There are Montenegro citizens behind that result and I cannot comprehend the comment by opponents and the refusal to congratulate the winner. In a democracy citizens have the right to choose whom they like. And their decision, believe me, depends mostly on trust. Citizens can appeal a decision, or complain of a politician, they can resent authority, but when they take a voting ticket and enter the cabin, they will circle the one they trust most, one they believe is best. So election results are simple mathematics,” says Janković.
Speaking of the situation in the Western Balkans, Janković says he supports speedy EU ascension for all regional nations and is looking forward to negotiations being opened with Macedonia and Albania. “War went on in the region 25 years ago, we’ve been through horrific events and they must not be repeated. This is why regional state leaders are important, leaders with vision and determination. This is why I say Milo Đukanović is a very important political figure for the region,” says Janković.
Ljubljana Mayor says he is friends with Milo Đukanović, with a photograph of him in his office, as well as having talked him into running for Montenegro president. “I must admit I was talking him into taking the bid, as he really did not want to. We saw each other at the Montenegro-Slovenia basketball game and I told him then he must compete, as the region needs him. It is now up to Mr Đukanović to fulfil what he promised in the presidential campaign,” says Janković.
Translated from Café del Montenegro, for the original click here.
