Milojko Spajić, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, is approaching the end of his four-year term as president of the Movement for Europe Now (PES). The party has not confirmed the date for its second congress or whether Spajić will seek re-election. This uncertainty comes amid speculation about potential challengers within the party, notably Filip Ivanović, the vice president of PES.
The PES was founded in June 2022, and Spajić was elected as its first president during the inaugural congress held on September 23, 2022. Under his leadership, the party achieved notable success in the 2023 parliamentary elections, securing 25.5% of the vote, the highest for any single party. This victory led to Spajić’s appointment as Prime Minister. Additionally, PES’s candidate Jakov Milatović won the presidential elections decisively the same year. The party has also become an associate member of the European People’s Party, the largest political group in the European Parliament.
Despite these achievements, recent public opinion polls indicate a decline in support for PES. The party’s performance in local elections has been mixed, with successes in cities like Podgorica and Berane, contrasted by losses in Budva and Nikšić. Political opponents have frequently criticized PES for a perceived lack of resilience against political maneuvers.
The potential for internal competition within PES has been a topic of public speculation. In April, Andrija Nikolić, head of the parliamentary club of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), claimed there was a “strong faction” within PES led by Ivanović, allegedly aiming to take over the party leadership. Ivanović dismissed these claims, suggesting they were not to be taken seriously. Recently, Ana Dulović, Spajić’s advisor for digital media, posted on social media with a PES-branded jacket and the caption “Team Mickey,” hinting at support for Spajić.
The PES’s internal structure, as outlined in its statute, includes a General Assembly, Main Board, Presidency, Executive Board, Statutory Commission, and Supervisory Board. The General Assembly, which is the highest electoral body, is responsible for electing the party president and other key positions. Regular sessions of the General Assembly are held every four years, with the next session expected to address the election of the party president, among other issues.
The upcoming congress is anticipated to be a significant event for PES, providing an opportunity to assess past results, define strategic directions, and reinforce unity within the party. The congress will also consider changes in the political landscape since the last assembly. As the PES navigates these internal dynamics, the outcome of the congress could influence Montenegro’s broader political context, particularly given the party’s role in the current government.
The uncertainty surrounding Spajić’s potential re-election and the possibility of challengers like Ivanović stepping forward reflects the shifting dynamics within PES. The party’s decisions in the coming weeks will be closely watched, as they could impact its future trajectory and its influence in Montenegro’s political arena.
