Analyse : Monténégro, coup de projecteur sur la confiance du grand public

Selon Nela Lazarevic dans Transitions Online, la campagne pour le référendum sur l’indépendance souligne la méfiance des Monténégrins vis-à-vis de leurs médias et des hommes politiques.

The campaign leading up to Montenegro’s 21 May referendum on independence from the state union with Serbia has officially begun. It was kicked off by a debate between pro-unionist and pro-independence representatives aired on national public television on 11 April. Private and public media are now carrying campaign promotions and reportage.

At the same time, internationally funded monitoring agencies have found irregularities in the campaign and widespread distrust among Montenegrins toward the media in connection with the issue of independence.

Thirst for information

So, how independent is the media coverage of the referendum campaign?

A recent opinion poll by the Montenegrin Media Institute found that 52 percent of respondents consider the domestic media corrupt, 32.5 percent think the media protect the interests of those in power, and 19.5 percent consider the media mouthpieces of economic interests. 

Only 17.3 percent of respondents thought the media were serving the interest of all citizens.

Respondents reported that politicians and the media provide little information about what might happen after 21 May, making it difficult for voters to assess the implications of their vote. The MMI poll shows that Montenegrins want to know more about possible post-referendum scenarios, in particular the effects either result might have on the country’s economic prospects.

MMI also published a list of issues related to independence that voters would like to see taken up by the media. Not surprisingly for a small country dependent on a much larger neighbor for imports and tourists, Montenegrins are primarily concerned with the effects of independence on the economy and the already low living standards.

Montenegrins want to know whether Serbian tourists will still come to Montenegro’s Adriatic beaches and mountains should they vote for independence; whether import duties on Serbian food will rise, and whether this will lead to inflation; and whether the costs for medical treatment for Montenegrins in Serbian medical facilities will rise.

Almost three quarters of Montenegrins have close relatives in Serbia, which explains another important concern – whether independence would mean passports and visa requirements to enter Serbia. 

Another issue concerns the over 20,000 Montenegrin students in Serbia, and whether they could lose scholarships and face much higher fees there. 

Montenegrins feel their media are neglecting such matters.

To read the article in full, visit the Transitions Online website.