Independence Day of Montenegro

Flag of MontenegroOn May 21, 2006, Montenegro held a nationwide referendum in which citizens were asked whether they wanted Montenegro to become a fully independent state with an appropriate international legal status. In order for the referendum to take place, the turnout threshold was set at 50%. For Montenegro to leave the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, it was necessary that 55% of those who came to vote in favor. Actively for the independence of Montenegro was the Bloc for an Independent Montenegro headed by the Prime Minister of the Republic Milo Djukanovic, who was opposed by the Bloc for the Preservation of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro headed by Predrag Bulatović.

In total, 86.3% of eligible voters took part in the referendum. 55.5% voted for independence of Montenegro, while 44.5% voted against it. Montenegro (and automatically Serbia) became an independent state and soon gained international recognition. The results of the referendum, and thus the declaration of independence, were not recognized by Bulatović’s bloc, and the referendum was called unfair and undemocratic.

In fact, the media talked a lot about the fact that Djukanovic’s bloc used administrative resources, and many Albanians working in Montenegro, most of whom spoke for the independence of the republic, were quickly recognized as Montenegrins. At the same time, many Montenegrins living and working in Serbia rushed to apply for Serbian citizenship and did not take part in the referendum, the results of which, judging by the rhetoric of representatives of Euro-Atlantic structures, were known in advance.

On 3 June 2006, the Parliament of Montenegro declared independence of Montenegro, and on 28 June it became the 192nd member of the United Nations.