After the debate, 50 deputies out of 81 voted for the resignation of the government. The opposition Democratic Party of Socialists, whose leader is President Milo Djukanovich, managed to attract several deputies from the ruling coalition to its side.

According to the initiators of the resignation of the government, the team of Prime Minister Abazovic promised to make progress in reforms for the accession of Montenegro to the European Union, but instead focused on relations with the Serbian Orthodox Church, thus inciting tension in society.

In response to the parliament's decision, Abazovich said that the vote of no confidence was promoted by "criminal groups" sponsored by "some political parties" to hinder his government's anti-corruption campaign.

Now the president of Montenegro will appoint a new prime minister, whose candidacy will have to be approved by the parliament.

  • At the beginning of August, Abazovich signed an agreement with the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church Porfiry.

    Among other things, the document confirms the church's ownership of real estate in Montenegro.

    Abazovic insisted that the pact would help resolve differences between the parties that favor joining the European Union and those that support closer ties with Serbia and Russia.

  • Human rights groups and pro-European political parties have criticized the agreement, saying it gives the SOC too much power compared to other religious communities.

  • Dritan Abazovich headed the government of Montenegro in April 2022, after a vote of no confidence in the previous cabinet of ministers was announced.

    The former prime minister was supported by the Socialist People's Party.

  • After leaving the state union with Serbia in 2006, disagreements continue to exist in Montenegro between those who identify as Montenegrins and those who opposed the country's independence.

  • Montenegro has been a member of NATO since 2017 and is a candidate for joining the European Union.

    Serbia is trying to strengthen its influence in the country, using, among other things, the Serbian Orthodox Church, which is considered the most powerful religious community in Montenegro.