Ahead of next year's elections, political analyst Miloš Bešić estimates for Television of Montenegro that it is still too early to make precise forecasts, but points out that the Europe Movement now has the greatest coalition capacity, while the DPS and NSD are recording an increase in the potential for cooperation, with political divisions still evident on the scene.
Boris Pejović (PES) commented on the research that was recently presented to the public and said that the most reliable thing is what the people confirm on election day.
"There are various surveys that can indicate a trend, but when it comes to the ratings of political parties, it is clear that, if elections were held today, the citizens would have a prime minister, and that would be Milojko Spajić. There have always been different ratings, and election results often show something different," he said.
Speaking about the popularity of political figures, Pejović commented on Bešić's statement that there is no leader who particularly stands out.
"This is good for democratic processes, because autocratic regimes show the concentration of power in one political figure. It is good for democratic maturation and I am proud that we live in a different environment," said Pejović.
He added that the perception of inflation exists, but that the broader context must be considered.
"The cumulative inflation in the last five years is 38.5 percent. Food prices have risen everywhere in the world, perhaps less here than globally. We cannot selectively look at only individual products," said Pejović.
On the other hand, DPS representative Abaz Dizdarević pointed out that the party is recording a continuous growth in support.
"Six years have passed since the change of government and there were predictions that we would disappear from the political scene, but that did not happen. In the 2023 elections, we had 23.3 percent of the vote in the coalition, and now we are recording growth in all surveys. Despite the pressure, citizens remain with us because of the idea," said Dizdarević.
He claims that DPS is still the strongest political group in Montenegro.
"We are without the instruments of power, and we are still the strongest. DPS is a political constant and that rating will be confirmed in the parliamentary elections, whenever they are," he said.
When asked about the lack of a dominant leader, Dizdarević stated that it was about trust in the idea, not the individual.
"Perhaps there has been a saturation of personal appearances, but when it comes to DPS, citizens trust politics, regardless of personal solutions," said Dizdarević.
NSD representative Mirko Miličić said that the party has a stable electorate and follows trends that show trust in the government.
"The parliamentary majority has stability and the trust of citizens. The result is economic prosperity after 2023 - an increase in salaries and pensions, a reduction in public debt and unemployment, as well as better opportunities for young people who can now travel more," said Miličić.
He believes that it is good that there is no dominant leader, and that unity among political actors is important.
"A way has been found for us to be united and have a common goal, and that is Montenegro's European path," Miličić added.
Branislav Nenezić from the European Union said that their support ranges between four and seven percent, but that he expects growth.
"Our idea is a non-partisan platform and we are still working on building a network. Citizens are not sufficiently informed about our program, but research shows a trend of growing support," said Nenezić.
He added that the goal of the European Union is clear and unchanged.
"Since the 1990s, we have been advocating the same policy - Montenegro's membership in the European Union," he said.
Nenezić, however, also pointed out a certain reserve among citizens.
"Citizens are skeptical when it comes to new increases and changes, especially due to inflation and strikes. Therefore, the survey results may not be a true measure of real sentiment," Nenezić assessed.
