Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović has reported Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development Nik Đeljošaj to the national police directorate for allegedly issuing threats and inappropriate messages following Milatović’s decision to return a controversial property tax law to parliament for reconsideration.
The president’s office said in a statement that Đeljošaj’s messages constituted a serious attempt to exert political pressure on the head of state. The incident was immediately reported to the Police Directorate.
“We expect competent institutions to respond promptly in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Montenegro. We urge the prime minister to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister Đeljošaj without delay. Every minute of silence from the government sends the message that threats are acceptable,” the statement said.
The president’s office alleged that the threats were linked to ongoing legal disputes between the Municipality of Tuzi and the state-owned wine company Plantaže 13. jul, involving what the company claims were unlawful retroactive tax charges on agricultural land. Đeljošaj, who previously served as the mayor of Tuzi, is accused by Plantaže of authorizing those charges, prompting the company to file a criminal complaint against him with the Special Prosecutor’s Office.
The proposed legislation, according to the president’s office, would not only eliminate tax exemptions for agricultural producers but could also retroactively validate tax decisions that are the subject of current court proceedings—potentially allowing Tuzi to nullify the lawsuits and legalize earlier tax practices.
Milatović’s office added that this is not the first time Đeljošaj has allegedly threatened officials over the tax bill, raising concerns about institutional independence and the rule of law.
“Threats against the president are not political disagreements—they are a matter of freedom, safety, and the dignity of Montenegro’s top institutions. If today a president is threatened for returning a law, tomorrow any citizen could be,” the statement warned, adding that Milatović remains committed to defending constitutional order and democratic values.