Imagine this – Montenegro is cooking up a new law on public gatherings that’s supposed to guarantee freedom of movement. But wait, the opposition is already screaming ‘unconstitutional’ and claiming it’s a straight-up attack on civil liberties! Is this just another power grab by the government to chain its citizens, or are they genuinely trying to bring order? Let’s break down this political soap opera.
Opposition in Panic: ‘This Law is Unconstitutional and Chokes Freedoms!’ Nikola Rakočević from DPS isn’t holding back – he says the bill’s authors ran away from the debate because they know it’s a disaster. According to him, this law will completely strip people of their rights, stopping them from protesting and expressing dissatisfaction in public spaces. “This isn’t just a law, it’s an attempt to crush every single act of rebellion,” Rakočević warns. He’s not alone – the opposition expects the bill to be withdrawn because, as they say, you can’t just suffocate constitutional rights like this.
Government’s Defense: ‘Freedom of Movement is Guaranteed, We Just Want Order!’ On the flip side, the government and Bosniak parties claim the law’s goal is exactly to enable freedom of movement. MP Jas Ćorović explains that citizens can protest, but not by blocking roads, and that the law isn’t a ban on gatherings but an attempt to create a functional system. “Lately, we’ve had many complaints from citizens and tourists about frequent blockades disrupting normal life,” Ćorović says. So, according to them, the law is here to protect everyday life, not to choke freedoms.
Who’s Behind the Law? The bill was proposed by the “Europe Now” movement, with signatories from various parties: Seid Hadžić, Duško Stijepović, Jelena Kljajević, Dejan Đurović, Bogdan Božović, Amer Smajilović, and Artan Čobi. Clearly, this is an attempt to bring order to the chaos of public gatherings, but is the price too high?
What Do the People Say? While the government points to complaints from citizens and tourists about blockades, many wonder if this is just an excuse to limit the right to protest. Is freedom of movement more important than the right to express dissatisfaction? This question is dividing Montenegro into two camps.
Conclusion: Fight for Freedom or Control? This law has become the flashpoint of conflict between the government and opposition. While some say it’s unconstitutional and stifles freedoms, others argue it’s necessary for order and society’s functioning. One thing’s for sure – citizens will be watching what happens next, and the debate has been postponed until after the holidays. Will the law be withdrawn or passed? Time will tell.
Got thoughts on this law? Feel free to throw in your two cents – maybe your hot take or a cheeky joke about roadblocks will spark the real conversation! Or just share a meme, because hey, politics could use a little humor.
