Montenegro
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
69 / 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit
46 / 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
A new parliamentary majority and government were established following competitive elections in 2023, paving the way toward resolution of recent political instability. Corruption in politics and in the judiciary remains a problem. Montenegro is home to dynamic media and civil society sectors. Civil liberties and political freedoms are generally respected.
Research & Recommendations
Montenegro
Partly Free
69
100
| PR Political Rights | 27 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 42 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
69
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
After three decades of rule by the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), an opposition coalition came to power through competitive elections in 2020. A period of instability in the governing coalition led to fresh elections in 2023, yielding a new parliamentary majority and government. Montenegro is home to dynamic media and civil society sectors, and civil liberties are generally respected, but corruption and dysfunction in politics and the judicial system remain persistent problems.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Montenegro
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
46
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 45.83 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 3.75 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
46
100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
Another eventful year is behind Montenegro. Politicians of a new generation assumed leadership positions in the country, with Jakov Milatović taking over the presidency from Milo Đukanović, who had been either president or prime minister for most of the last three decades, and Milojko Spajić becoming prime minister after lengthy political negotiations with many twists and turns. Both Milatović and Spajić hail from a relatively new political option, the Europe Now Movement (PES). The Parliament barely functioned until late October, when the new government was formed, due to a prolonged political and constitutional crisis. The outgoing government therefore ruled without a functioning Parliament from March to October. With the new government in office for only two months at the end of 2023, its trajectory was still consolidating. However, some initial signs of consensus-building were seen in November when the new government finally reached agreement on the appointment of the seventh Constitutional Court judge, and in December when the long-overdue census was conducted. The latter has been a contested issue in Montenegro, given the country’s pronounced ethnic cleavages. Also in December, Spajić’s minority government assembled the qualified parliamentary majority necessary to appoint three members of the Judicial Council. Each of them was appointed with 65% or more votes of MPs.
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
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Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
69
/ 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit Score
46
/ 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
Population: 617,213
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
