Lawmakers Propose Changes to Status of Petrovic-Njegos Dynasty

Members of the New Serbian Democracy (NSD) have proposed amendments to the Law on the Status of Descendants of the Petrovic-Njegos dynasty. The amendments seek to remove the clause stating that the dynasty was “deposed contrary to the Constitution of the Principality of Montenegro by an act of violent annexation of the state in 1918.” The proposal aims to clarify the historical narrative surrounding the dynasty and its significance to Montenegro.

According to reports, lawmakers Dejan Đurović and Jovan Vučurović have suggested that Article 1 of the law be revised to emphasize “historical and moral rehabilitation” of the Petrovic-Njegos dynasty. The new wording would focus on issues concerning the status of the dynasty’s descendants, thereby reducing the impact of unilateral historical interpretations currently present in the law.

Vučurović emphasized the importance of unifying perspectives on the dynasty, stating, “The Petrovic family belongs to all of Montenegro, and we should at least agree on something.” He argued that the narrative of annexation is unfounded, asserting that the majority of Montenegrins supported unification in 1918. He called this moment one of the most significant dates in Montenegrin history, reflecting a long-standing aspiration of the people.

“The will of the people for unification was confirmed at the Consultation of the People in 1920, and those are facts,” Vučurović added in a statement. He mentioned the need to eliminate any contentious interpretations from the law to foster a more cohesive understanding of the historical context.

The proposed changes come at a time when discussions about the legacy of the Petrovic-Njegos dynasty and its role in Montenegrin identity are gaining traction. As lawmakers navigate the complexities of historical narratives, the focus remains on creating a law that accurately reflects the sentiments and aspirations of the Montenegrin people.