The head of the Democratic Party of Socialists’ (DPS) caucus, Andrija Nikolic, criticized the decision to add debate on the proposed Weapons Law to parliament’s agenda shortly before midnight, describing it as politically and institutionally irresponsible.
Mr Nikolic said the DPS would not take part in the debate or nominate any speakers. He argued that such a sensitive law should not be considered under an expedited procedure on the final working day before parliament’s recess, without adequate public consultation or meaningful dialogue with those directly affected.
He also noted that the Speaker of Parliament had earlier said there would be no debate on the mentioned law, only for it to be announced at 11.40 p.m., reportedly at the request of the European Commission (EC).
Mr Nikolic said the issue required a serious and systematic response following two tragedies in Cetinje, particularly given the expectations of victims’ families and the wider public.
He also accused the authorities of ignoring the views of tens of thousands of legal gun owners, hunters and members of registered associations.
“This is not about who supports tighter gun controls and who opposes them,” Mr Nikolic said. “It is about whether the state addresses a serious social problem responsibly and systematically, or hastily, without dialogue or proper procedure.”
