After more than 30 years of rule, Milo Djukanovic (Democratic Party of Socialists - DPS) is stepping down from power as he was defeated in the presidential election on Sunday by a candidate almost twice younger than him, Jakov Milatovic from the Europe Now party. On this occasion, the Metropolitan of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church (CPC) Mihailo, spoke with N1noting that Milatovic’s victory will affect the relations between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as ties with relations in Montenegro.

He pointed out that Montenegro is facing an uncertain period, and that he is not optimistic.

“I really doubt they can do anything better [than Djukanovic]. All this time while they were in power, it got worse and I think it will continue [to get worse]. To be honest, I couldn’t highlight anything positive,” Mihailo told N1.

He pointed out that “the Montenegrin Orthodox Church is occupying the positions that belong to it”.

“Honestly, to do everything [everyone fears they will do] in the coming period, they must be aware that Montenegro cannot disappear if there is a Montenegrin church. The Church and the people of Montenegro created this country and it will continue to be so. The fact is that we have to fight with an authority that will most likely continue along the old path. I don't know what to tell you. It will be quite difficult. And the public in Bosnia and Herzegovina must know that this current government is the government of the Serbian Orthodox Church from Belgrade. They decided on the government in Montenegro from Belgrade. And that's where big money came in from Serbia. We will see how things will turn out,” Metropolitan Mihailo said.

Asked about whether attitudes towards Bosniaks living in the territory of Montenegro will change, Mihailo answered:

“Let me tell you right away, if someone touches the Montenegrins, then they will also touch the Bosniaks in this country. As long as we are here, no one can touch the Bosniaks. In that case, if something were to be done and repeat Srebrenica and Vukovar, then it would be an inevitable conflict in the country. Although, I don't believe it will come to that.”

At the very end of the conversation, he referred to the relations between Montenegro and Bosnia and the President of the country’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity, Milorad Dodik, who was the first from BiH to send a congratulatory message to the new President of Montenegro, Milatovic.

“Relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are good. I will not discuss anything about Dodik and his views. The RS cannot be maintained. It is a state within a state. It won't last long. There will be a united state of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, Metropolitan Mihailo concluded for N1.