Montenegro’s political scene was rocked last night when veteran Milo Djukanovic lost the presidential election after three decades of ruling the Balkan country to newcomer Jakov Milatovic.

“Together with all Montenegrin citizens, we tonight said a decisive ‘no’ to crime and corruption,” said Jakov Milatovic, a 36-year-old pro-European economist. “It’s the night we’ve been waiting for for more than 30 years. May this victory bring happiness to everyone!”, he continued speaking to his fans who were celebrating the victory.

“During the next five years we will tie Montenegro to the European Union,” he promised.

Milatovic took 60% of the vote compared to 40% for his opponent, according to projections by the non-governmental organization CeMI for all electoral divisions. Official results are expected later in the week.

In the first round, two weeks earlier, Milo Djukanovic had collected 35.4% of the votes against 28.9% for Jakov Milatovic.

Outgoing president Milo Djukanovic, 61, conceded defeat. “Montenegro chose. I respect that choice. I congratulate Yakov Milatovich,” he said. “I want Milatovic to be a successful president, because that will mean that Montenegro will be a successful country,” he added.

In the streets of Podgorica and other cities in the country, supporters of the candidate of the Europe Now movement celebrated the victory with honking horns and fireworks.

In Montenegro, the president mainly represents the country and the prime minister controls the main levers of power.

Early parliamentary elections are to be held on June 11. The current government was ousted by impeachment in August 2022, but continues to manage current affairs.