Budapest, 31 October 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Montenegro's parliament has elected the centrist politician Milojko Spajić as the small Balkan country's new prime minister, following prolonged negotiations.

The support of openly pro-Serbian and pro-Russian For the Future of Montenegro alliance (ZBCG) was the crucial factor in the vote on Tuesday.

Although this alliance is not formally part of Spajić's new centre-right coalition, it will receive key positions in the state administration and state-affiliated companies in exchange for their support.

The parliament elected Andrija Mandić, the co-chair of the alliance, as speaker on Monday. Mandic will have access to classified security documents, including matters related to NATO cooperation.

Mandic frequently meets with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade.

The centrist Europe Now! (PES) party led by Spajić won the parliamentary elections in June. His coalition formally consists of PES, two smaller pro-Serbian parties and parties representing ethnic Albanians.

Spajić's government statement emphasized his commitment to advancing Montenegro's EU accession prospects and strengthening the judiciary in the fight against corruption and organized crime.

The NATO country has been negotiating its EU membership since 2012 but has faced challenges in recent years in meeting the necessary reform efforts.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Montenegro, where she was received by President Jakov Milatović for a discussion.

She subsequently planned to travel to Belgrade to meet with Serbia's President Vučić.

Von der Leyen's trip, which covered North Macedonia and Kosovo on Monday, centres on a new "Growth Plan" that enhances access to the EU's market for Western Balkan nations if the countries make reforms.

Photo: EPA