The Balkan region is traditionally in Russia's area of interest, and Moscow seeks to maintain strong influence there.
Montenegrin legislators a new pro-Western government was approved on Thursday, with plans to speed up EU integration and work to bridge the political divide in the small Balkan country. consists of 81 representatives, while three deputies opposed. Pro-Serbian and thus pro-Russian groups were not present at the session, ABC News reports.
The vote came weeks after a previous no-confidence vote overthrew the previous pro-Serbian government in February.
Montenegro's election of a pro-Western government is seen as another plus in the collective West's efforts to maintain stability in the Balkans Ukraine. This region is traditionally interesting for Russia, and Moscow seeks to maintain a strong influence there.
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“I am very optimistic and believe in the bright future of our Montenegro,” Abazovic told parliament. “We must all work to make Montenegro the next member of the European Union. And we don't have to wait long. “
In 2017, Montenegro challenged Moscow and joined NATO. But the country, with a population of 620,000, is still divided between pro-Western groups and those seeking closer ties with the fraternal Slavic countries of Serbia and Russia.
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Abazovic was deputy prime minister in the previous pro-Serbian administration formed after the 2020 elections, which overthrew the Democratic Party of Socialists, which rules for a long time.
However, Abazovich later referred to EU integration, which stalled, in order to initiate the resignation of the government through a vote of no confidence. His new government is a minority cabinet backed in parliament by opposition Milo Djukanovic's opposition DPS.
Pro-Serbian parties in Montenegro want to restore Russian influence
This party has ruled Montenegro for 30 years before the 2020 vote . Djukanovic's Western ally led Montenegro to independence from Serbia in 2006 and to join NATO. But his party's popularity has plummeted over the years, largely due to allegations of corruption. that pro-Serbian parties in Montenegro want to restore the influence of Serbia and Russia. Pro-Serbian parties also had the support of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro.
Abazovic said in a speech Thursday that he wants to unite Montenegro's opposition factions “within the concept of a democratic, corruption-free and economically prosperous nation part of the 27-member EU. “
It will be recalled that Montenegro recently closed its airspace to Russian aircraft.
