Welcome to the world of Montenegrin awards where poetry is measured not by verses, but by political loyalty! An award that once was a prestigious symbol of artistic creation is now just another court ornament for the politically compliant. The main problem? It’s not the new government, nor the old one — it’s a system that doesn’t change, where awards are handed out as bribes, and institutions are endlessly degraded.
Before you think this is just another corruption story, think again. This practice is as old as Montenegro itself, only the clans have changed. Once one clan controlled the awards, now another does, but the result is the same — awards are not given based on merit, but on party interests.
And what about the laureates? Did they really deserve it? Many say no. Bećir Vuković, one of the awarded, is known for his authentic poetry, but his political statements are far from poetry. His award was not given for artistic work, but for a political stance supporting Andrija Mandić and his idea of “redesigning” July 13 — Montenegro’s state holiday. This sparked fierce reactions and divided the public.
To make matters worse, one laureate refused the award, which only further showed how poisoned the atmosphere around the awards is. Refusing the award is not just a personal act, but a clear signal that the system is rotten and the awards do not belong to those who truly deserve them.
And what do politicians say? DPS, the former government now in opposition, should be more restrained in criticism, as they also participated in this circus. It’s the same power game, the same endless grabbing, only the players change.
While Montenegro struggles with this problem, Andrija Mandić openly proposes changing the state holiday, which further fuels passions and political tensions. Instead of focusing on true values and art, we watch awards being used as tools of political manipulation.
If you thought poetry is sacred and awards should be recognition of talent and effort, think again. In Montenegro, awards have become political merchandise, and institutions are on their knees. Maybe it’s time to ask — who do these awards really serve and who deserves them?
And hey, if you read this far, drop a comment — is poetry really dead or just trapped in political games? Or maybe you have a favorite poet who deserved an award but didn’t get it? Come on, share your thoughts, let the voice of the people be heard!
