June 20, 2020 - 9:29 AM
PODGORICA, Montenegro - Montenegro’s president on Saturday set the small Balkan nation's next parliamentary election for Aug. 30.
The election will be held amid tension between elected officials and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro over a religious property law that triggered protests.
The church claims the bill was designed to strip it of its property. Montenegrin authorities have denied that.
President Milo Djukanovic, a former prime minister, and his Democratic Party of Socialists have governed Montenegro for some 30 years.
Montenegro was part of the former Yugoslavia and then in a union with Serbia before declaring independence in 2006. The country joined NATO in 2017, defying opposition from traditional Slavic ally Russia, and wants to become part of the European Union next.
Opposition parties have accused Djukanovic of corruption and crime. Pro-Serb parties and Serbia have complained of alleged pressure in Montenegro on the rights of ethnic Serbs and the Serbian church.
The last election in October 2016 was marked by a foiled coup attempt that Montenegrin authorities alleged included plans to assassinate Djukanovic to block Montenegro’s NATO membership.
Two former Russian military intelligence agents and about a dozen others have been convicted of the plot. Russia has denied involvement.
Voters will also choose candidates to fill local government offices on Aug. 30.
News from © The Associated Press, 2020