MEPs: Montenegrin leaders to move quickly to form new government

"We are constantly monitoring political developments in Montenegro and welcome the recent peaceful transitions in line with the country's Constitution. We call for the continued respect of democratic processes, norms and standards, "the two MPs said in a joint statement.

With the message that no more time should be wasted, they called on Montenegrin leaders to "quickly move towards forming a new government and electing a new Parliament Speaker.

Since last Friday, Montenegro's Parliament refused to discuss the dismissal of deputy PM Dritan Abazovic, voted out Zdravko Krivokapic's cabinet and relieved the Parliament Speaker Aleksa Becic.

The previous government lasted just over a year and a half after dethroning the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), which ruled the country for three decades.

"Paving the way for a stable parliamentary majority and moving Montenegro forward in the reform process is essential," Picula and Bilčík added.

They said the "political inactivity" limited the country's reform agenda, and its ambitions for EU accession, adding that Montenegro was the most advanced country among EU candidates and was already integrated into NATO.

"Montenegro needs a predictable and stable parliamentary majority and a pro-European government that will lead the country towards the EU," Bilčík and Picula said, adding that they would support all political decisions based on European standards and respect for European values.

Montenegro's President, also the DPS leader, told Deutsche Welle on Mondaythe country was now heading in the right direction after, according to tho him, DPS prevented it to fall into Serbia's hands.