Milo Đukanović

Milo Đukanović
Đukanović in 2022
Milo Đukanović
Born	15 2, 1962
Birthplace	Nikšić, PR Montenegro, FPR Yugoslavia
Nationality	Montenegrin
Occupation	Politician
Title	President of Montenegro
Known for	Longest-ruling contemporary politician in Europe; leading Montenegro to independence in 2006 and NATO membership in 2017
Spouse(s)	Lidija Kuč
Children	1
Awards	Order of the Albanian Flag

Milo Đukanović (Template:Lang-cnr-Cyrl; born 15 February 1962) is a Montenegrin politician who has been one of the most dominant and consequential political figures in the history of modern Montenegro. Over more than three decades, he served as President of Montenegro (1998–2002, 2018–2023), Prime Minister of Montenegro (1991–1998, 2003–2006, 2008–2010, 2012–2016), and long-term president of the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (DPS), making him the longest-ruling contemporary politician in Europe. His political career began in the late 1980s as an ally of Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević during the anti-bureaucratic revolution, but by the mid-1990s he had pivoted dramatically toward Montenegrin sovereignty and a pro-Western orientation. This transformation ultimately led to Montenegro's independence referendum in 2006, the adoption of a new constitution in 2007, and the country's accession to NATO in 2017. His tenure was marked by extensive privatization, persistent allegations of corruption, and a gradual consolidation of power that ended only when his party was defeated in the 2020 parliamentary election and he himself lost the 2023 presidential election to Jakov Milatović.

Early Life

Milo Đukanović was born on 15 February 1962 in Nikšić, then part of the People's Republic of Montenegro within the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia. Nikšić, the country's second-largest city, was an industrial centre with a strong tradition of political activism. Đukanović grew up during the era of socialist Yugoslavia under the governance of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia (SKJ), the ruling party of the federation. He joined the SKJ in 1979, at the age of seventeen, signalling an early interest in political life that would come to define his entire career.

He has one notable sibling, his brother Aco Đukanović, who would later become a prominent businessman in Montenegro. The relationship between the two brothers has attracted significant public and media attention over the years, particularly regarding the intersection of political influence and business interests in the small Balkan nation.

Đukanović is noted for his physical stature, standing at 198 centimetres (6 feet 6 inches), which has made him one of the tallest heads of state in the world during his periods in office.

Education

Đukanović pursued higher education at the University of Montenegro, where he studied economics. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics in Podgorica, which provided the academic foundation for his later political career in government and economic policy-making. His educational background in economics would prove relevant throughout his political tenure, particularly during the periods of economic transition, privatization, and monetary reform that characterized Montenegro's post-Yugoslav transformation.

Career

Rise to Power and Alliance with Milošević (1988–1996)

Đukanović first emerged on the national political stage during the anti-bureaucratic revolution of 1988–1989, a series of political upheavals orchestrated by Slobodan Milošević to install loyal leadership in the autonomous provinces and republics of Yugoslavia. During this period, Đukanović aligned himself closely with Milošević and supported the political changes that brought a new generation of leaders to power in Montenegro. Along with Momir Bulatović and Svetozar Marović, Đukanović was part of a young cadre of politicians who rose to prominence through these events.

On 15 February 1991, at the age of just 29, Đukanović became the Prime Minister of Montenegro, making him one of the youngest heads of government in Europe at the time. The position was newly established as Montenegro transitioned toward a multi-party political system while remaining a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. His appointment came as Yugoslavia was beginning to fracture along ethnic and republican lines.

During the early phase of the Yugoslav Wars, Đukanović's government was directly implicated in the military actions associated with the Siege of Dubrovnik (1991–1992), in which Montenegrin and Yugoslav forces besieged the historic Croatian coastal city. This episode remained a controversial aspect of his political legacy, particularly in the context of his later reinvention as a pro-Western leader.

In the political developments surrounding the dissolution of Yugoslavia, Đukanović supported Momir Bulatović's acceptance of Lord Carrington's terms for a peace settlement, which led to the 1992 Montenegrin independence referendum. In that referendum, a substantial majority of voters chose to remain in a federation with Serbia, resulting in the formation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FR Yugoslavia) comprising Serbia and Montenegro.

The DPS, which had evolved from the Montenegrin branch of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, became the dominant political force in the new multi-party system. Đukanović continued to serve as Prime Minister throughout this period, consolidating power within the party structure while the country navigated the turbulent politics of the post-Yugoslav landscape.

Break with Milošević and the Turn Westward (1996–2002)

In 1996, a decisive shift occurred in Đukanović's political orientation. He distanced himself from Milošević and the federal government in Belgrade, abandoning the traditional joint Serbian and Montenegrin political vision in favour of Montenegrin nationalism, which emphasized state independence and a distinct Montenegrin national identity. This political pivot had far-reaching consequences for both Đukanović personally and for Montenegro as a political entity.

The break with Belgrade led to a split within the DPS itself. Momir Bulatović, who had been a close ally, led a pro-unionist faction that wished to maintain close ties with Serbia, while Đukanović championed a sovereigntist position. This factional divide culminated in the 1997 Montenegrin presidential election, in which Đukanović defeated Bulatović by a narrow margin. Đukanović assumed the presidency on 15 January 1998, succeeding the man he had defeated.

As president, Đukanović pursued an increasingly independent course from the federal government. During the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, he took the remarkable step of negotiating directly with Western governments in an attempt to limit the impact of airstrikes on Montenegrin territory. This diplomatic outreach marked a further departure from Milošević's confrontational stance toward the West and cemented Đukanović's reputation as a pragmatic political operator willing to navigate between competing great-power interests.

One of the most significant economic decisions of this period was Đukanović's implementation of the Deutsche Mark as the new currency of Montenegro, replacing the Yugoslav dinar. This unilateral monetary policy change was a powerful symbol of Montenegro's de facto separation from the federal structures and served as a precursor to the country's eventual adoption of the euro.

Đukanović served as president until 25 November 2002, when he was succeeded by Filip Vujanović.

Path to Independence (2003–2006)

Following the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević in October 2000, the political landscape of the region changed dramatically. Đukanović engaged with the new Serbian government under Vojislav Koštunica and signed an agreement that resulted in the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro in 2003. This charter established a loose state union between the two republics and, critically, included a provision allowing either republic to hold an independence referendum after a three-year period.

Đukanović returned to the position of Prime Minister on 8 January 2003, succeeding Dragan Đurović. In this capacity, he oversaw preparations for what would become a defining moment in Montenegrin history. He also briefly served as Minister of Defence from 5 June 2006 to 10 November 2006, holding the post concurrently with the premiership during the critical transition to full independence.

On 21 May 2006, Montenegro held its independence referendum. The result narrowly exceeded the 55% threshold required by the European Union, leading to the formal declaration of independence on 3 June 2006. Đukanović, who had championed the cause of Montenegrin sovereignty for a decade, was instrumental in achieving this outcome. The successful referendum was followed by the adoption of a new Constitution of Montenegro in 2007, establishing the legal framework for the newly independent state.

Đukanović stepped down as Prime Minister in November 2006, with Željko Šturanović succeeding him. However, his departure from the premiership was temporary.

Subsequent Premierships and NATO Accession (2008–2016)

Đukanović returned to the office of Prime Minister on 29 February 2008, succeeding Šturanović. This third stint as head of government lasted until 29 December 2010, when he was succeeded by Igor Lukšić. He returned yet again on 4 December 2012, serving until 28 November 2016, when Duško Marković took over.

During these periods in office, Đukanović pursued a foreign policy firmly oriented toward Euro-Atlantic integration. His government actively sought membership in both NATO and the European Union, framing these goals as central to Montenegro's strategic future. This policy bore fruit when Montenegro formally joined NATO on 5 June 2017, becoming the alliance's 29th member state. The accession was controversial domestically and provoked opposition from Russia and from segments of the Montenegrin population with traditional ties to Serbia and the Orthodox Slavic world.

Đukanović's government also oversaw an extensive programme of privatization of state-owned enterprises, selling public companies to foreign investors and firms. While proponents argued this was necessary for economic modernization and integration into European markets, critics alleged that the process was marked by opacity, cronyism, and corruption. Several corruption scandals involving the ruling DPS party became focal points for opposition criticism and public discontent.

Throughout this period, Đukanović maintained his position as president of the DPS, which he had held since 31 October 1998. The party continued to dominate Montenegrin politics, governing either alone or in coalition arrangements, and Đukanović's control over both the party apparatus and government institutions was a defining feature of the country's political landscape.

Second Presidency and Political Decline (2018–2023)

On 15 April 2018, Đukanović won the Montenegrin presidential election, returning to the presidency after a sixteen-year absence from the office. He was inaugurated on 20 May 2018, succeeding Filip Vujanović, who had held the office since 2003. During this term, his prime ministers included Duško Marković, Zdravko Krivokapić, and Dritan Abazović.

This final period of Đukanović's rule was marked by increasing political turbulence. In 2019, large-scale anti-government protests erupted in response to multiple corruption scandals associated with the DPS and its leadership. The protests reflected a growing public frustration with what many perceived as entrenched corruption and a lack of accountability in Montenegrin governance.

A further wave of protests was triggered by a controversial law on religious freedom, which many perceived as an attempt by the government to assert control over religious properties belonging to the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro. The law galvanized opposition from religious communities and their supporters, further eroding the DPS's political base.

In the 2020 Montenegrin parliamentary election, the opposition won more seats than Đukanović's DPS and its coalition partners for the first time in three decades of multi-party politics. Although the DPS remained the single largest party, the combined opposition was able to form a government, ending the party's monopoly on power. This was a watershed moment in Montenegrin political history.

Đukanović's political decline culminated in the 2023 Montenegrin presidential election. In the second-round runoff held on 2 April 2023, the 61-year-old incumbent was defeated by Jakov Milatović, a 36-year-old centrist and former economy minister. Đukanović left office on 20 May 2023, and shortly thereafter, he stepped down as president of the DPS on 6 April 2023, with Danijel Živković succeeding him as party leader. Since his departure from the DPS leadership, Đukanović has been politically independent.

Personal Life

Milo Đukanović is married to Lidija Kuč, and the couple have one child. His brother, Aco Đukanović, is a prominent businessman in Montenegro whose business activities have attracted public scrutiny given the family's political connections. The relationship between political power and business interests associated with the Đukanović family has been a recurring subject of media reporting and public debate in Montenegro.

Đukanović is known for his tall physical stature at 198 cm (6 ft 6 in), which has been noted in media coverage.

Over the course of his long political career, Đukanović has been a polarizing figure in Montenegrin public life. Supporters credit him with steering Montenegro toward independence and Euro-Atlantic integration, while critics have pointed to allegations of corruption, authoritarian tendencies, and the concentration of political and economic power within a narrow elite.

Recognition

Đukanović received several international honours during his tenure. He was awarded the Order of the Albanian Flag, one of Albania's highest state decorations, in recognition of his contributions to regional cooperation and bilateral relations between Montenegro and Albania.

During a visit to Paraguay, he received the keys to the capital city of Asunción, a ceremonial honour extended to visiting heads of state.

He was also the subject of international media attention, with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty publishing a profile titled "The Smartest Man in the Balkans," reflecting both the grudging respect and the suspicion with which his political longevity was viewed by international observers.

The Republic of San Marino extended official diplomatic courtesies during his state visits.

Legacy

Milo Đukanović's political legacy is inextricable from the modern history of Montenegro itself. Having occupied the highest offices of the state for over 33 years — from 1991 to 2023 — his influence on the country's political development, institutional framework, and international orientation has been profound. He is recognized as the longest-ruling contemporary politician in Europe, a distinction that reflects both his political skill and the structural factors that enabled such prolonged dominance in a nominally democratic system.

His central achievement, as assessed by many analysts, was guiding Montenegro from a constituent republic of Yugoslavia to an independent state and a member of NATO. The 2006 independence referendum and the 2017 NATO accession stand as the most consequential geopolitical events in modern Montenegrin history, and Đukanović was the driving political force behind both.

However, his legacy is contested. The early years of his career, during which he was allied with Milošević and his government participated in the siege of Dubrovnik, cast a long shadow. The extensive privatization programme he oversaw has been criticized for benefiting a narrow political and economic elite. Persistent allegations of corruption, combined with the DPS's decades-long monopoly on power, led many observers and opposition politicians to characterize his rule as a form of competitive authoritarianism — a system in which democratic institutions exist but are systematically undermined by the ruling party's control over state resources, media, and institutions.

The 2020 parliamentary defeat and the 2023 presidential loss marked the end of Đukanović's direct political influence, though the institutions and political culture shaped during his three decades in power continue to define Montenegrin politics. The DPS, while weakened, remained a significant political force even after his departure from its leadership.