Montenegro - Government Profile
Overview of the Country’s Political Framework and Structure - 2008
On May 21, 2006, Montenegro held a referendum to determine its independence. Approximately 55.5% of the 419,240 voters (86.5% of the eligible electorate) were in favor of independence, narrowly surpassing the 55.0% threshold needed to validate the referendum (as determined by European Union rules). Thirteen days later, Montenegro’s Parliament declared the nation’s independence.
Political System
Montenegro is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Podgorica. The country declared its independence from "Serbia and Montenegro" on June 3, 2006. The national holiday is National Day, celebrated on July 13.
The country's current constitution was originally adopted on October 19, 2007. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
Administrative Regions
Montenegro consists of 21 municipalities (opstine):
- Andrijevica
- Bar
- Berana
- Bijelo
- Polje
- Budva
- Cetinje
- Danilovgrad
- Herceg Novi
- Kolasin
- Kotor
- Mojkovac
- Niksic
- Plav
- Pljevlja
- Pluzine
- Podgorica
- Rozaje
- Savnik
- Tivat
- Ulcinj
- Zabljak
Executive Branch
The President is Montenegro’s chief of state. This person is elected by direct vote to a five year term, and is eligible for a second term. Filip Vujanovic, the current President, assumed his duties on May 11, 2003, prior to the nation's independence.
The head of government is the Prime Minister. This person is typically selected by the President and accepted by the Assembly. Milo Djukanovic, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on February 29, 2008. His Deputy Prime Ministers are Gordana Durovic and Vujica Lazovic.
Members of the government’s Ministries are assembled by the Prime Minister and approved by the Assembly. The current ministers are:
- Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management - Milutin Simovic
- Culture, Sports and Media - Branislav Micunovic
- Defense - Boro Vucinic
- Economic Development - Branimir Gvozdenovic
- Education and Science - Sreten Skuletic
- Finance - Igor Luksic
- Foreign Affairs - Milan Rocen
- Health, Labor and Social Welfare - Miodrag Radunovic
- Human and Minority Rights Protection - Fuad Nimani
- Interior Affairs and Public Administration - Jusuf Kalamperovic
- Justice - Miras Radovic
- Maritime Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications - Andrija Lompar
- Tourism and Environmental Protection - Predrag Nenezic
Legislative Branch
Montenegro's Assembly is a unicameral body consisting of 81 officials (changed from 74 seats in 2006). Members are elected by direct vote to serve four year terms.
The current structure of the Assembly, by political party is (number of seats):
- Coalition for European Montenegro (DSP/SDP) - 41
- Serbian List - 12
- Coalition: Socialist People's Party of Montenegro, People's Party and Democratic Serb Party (SNP/NS/DSS) - 11
- Movement for Changes (PZP) - 11
- Liberals and Bosniaks Party - 3
- Democratic Alliance in Montenegro/Party of Democratic Prosperity Coalition- 1
- Democratic Union of Albanians - 1
- Albanian Alternative - 1
Judicial Branch
The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court. Supreme Court judges are appointed for life, while the five Constitutional Court judges serve nine year terms..
Legal System
Montenegro's legal system is based on civil law. The country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.
References
Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. 2008.
Government of Montenegro Official Website.
“Montenegro vote result confirmed.” BBC News. May 23, 2006.
