Montenegrins are suffering from desperation and urgently seek a change in their country. In a time of increasing desperation, a party emerged with false pretenses that European Union membership is just a signature away from approval. By deceiving its population, the Europe Now party in Montenegro cunningly gained people’s votes, subsequently obtaining more power, EU funds, and loans that were misused for personal gains.

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Many citizens in Montenegro have been hit economically and are living in times of social challenges and great uncertainty. Unfortunately, ordinary Montenegrins have been exploited and lured by political promises of a brighter future. This has created an opening for manipulative politicians who take advantage of the people’s desperation by offering promises of changes they can never fulfill.

A clear example is the Europe Now party (even the name is deceptive), which has exploited social media to create an illusion of active change. Using platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, the political leaders share glamorous images and glimpses of their alleged efforts to approach the European Union. However, behind these well-staged scenes lies a reality of empty words and unfulfilled actions.

Who are Europe Now?

Founded on June 26, 2022, the Europe Now party is led by a group of friends, many born in 1986. Jakov Milatović is the founder of the party and is now the president of Montenegro. Before the election in Montenegro, the party demonstrated that EU membership was nearly finalized, only awaiting a signature and some formalities. They lied; EU membership is not just a signature away.

The party’s trend of political exploitation by falsely claiming collaboration with EU representatives was and is common. Their tendencies deceived an entire population in the country, especially the youth eager to join the EU community. The party lied and undermined the fundamental principles of democracy.

It is widely known and accepted that political representatives of Europe Now, on paper, portray themselves as a liberal European party, but the reality is quite different. Montenegrins have realized they were after personal gains through corruption, not serving the common good. It is a deep tragedy for Montenegro.

Montenegrins must remain vigilant

Citizens in Montenegro must be aware of the risk of manipulation and demand genuine commitment and responsibility from their elected leaders. Their desperation gives rise to dishonest politicians and deceptive parties. It is crucial to look beyond politicians’ rhetoric and carefully assess their actual actions. Building real and sustainable change requires more than beautiful words on social media – it demands honesty, transparency, and genuine commitment from political leaders.

Citizens have the right to demand and expect this to build a future based on real change and societal improvements. Promises of EU membership, more jobs, economic stability, and improved living conditions are pledged in exchange for voters’ support. However, more often than not, it turns out to be a tactic to secure votes rather than actually implement changes.