On May 21, 2026, Montenegro will mark two decades since the restoration of its independence and international legal personality, after 98 years spent in different state communities. This is one of the most important dates in modern Montenegrin history. However, the attitude of institutions towards this anniversary shows a worrying level of frivolity.
"On March 17, 2026, just two months and four days before the celebration, the Government of Montenegro issued a public call for proposals for the organization of the central celebration, addressed to private companies involved in the organization of cultural events. The call was open for only eight days, with the requirement that bidders propose a concept for the event, engage an internationally recognized artist with significant global success, include domestic performers, and meet additional security requirements," Jokanović said in a statement.
Jokanović points out that this approach raises serious questions about the attitude towards public holidays.
"The organization of an event of this importance is usually planned at least a year in advance, with the active participation of the Ministry of Culture, relevant institutions such as academies and the professional community, as well as continuous coordination at the highest level. In this case, key elements of a systemic approach were missing, while responsibility was practically shifted to the private sector, with deadlines that were initially restrictive. The expectation that an internationally recognized music star would perform in such a short period of time is particularly problematic, considering that tours of such performers are planned several years in advance. Instead of a comprehensive and meaningful celebration that would present in a worthy manner the historical continuity of Montenegro - from Doclea and Zeta, through the medieval state, principality and kingdom, to the modern period - as well as cultural, scientific and sports achievements in the modern but also in the
"In the entire history, we are witnessing improvisation reduced to a short-term public call," said Jokanović.
Additionally, renowned companies in the field of event organization are put in an unequal position, because due to extremely short deadlines they are unable to adequately respond to the requirements set, especially in the area related to hiring contractors and organizing complex logistics.
"Therefore, the question rightly arises: is this attitude the result of incompetence, the continuity of an irresponsible attitude towards the statehood and cultural identity of Montenegro, or a clear signal of how the current government sees the significance of this anniversary and the future of the state?" Jokanović said.
