Issue and Opponent: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic came into power in 1991, serving as the longest leader in the Balkans and Europe. After 26 years, the citizens of Montenegro started accusing him of corruption, nepotism, and control of key economic and security pressure points. The opposition further accused the regime of controlling public opinion just to stay in power. On another front, established opposition groups wanted to block Montenegro’s accession to NATO. The people want access to free and fair elections to depose Prime Minister Djukanovic.
Dilemma Action: September 27 marked the beginning of the protest campaign against Djukanovic’s regime. Thousands of protestors, led by the Democratic Front, established tent camps in front of the Office of the Government and the Assembly of Montenegro. They built full blockades in front of Montenegrin state institutions, such as the Parliament building, and the main streets of the capital. Authorities granted permission to the protestors to use the space for one week, which they called “the only free territory in Montenegro.”
Outcomes: Protestors continued to occupy the space after the week ended. The officials extended permission to use the public space until October 10. The officials wanted to make sure that the protests remained peaceful when the NATO North Atlantic Council came to visit. It was during the October protests that the movement turned violent when the police started to clear the tents from the square after the meeting.