Who is Milan Knežević, the pro-Serb politician in Montenegro who is calling for the "denial" of Kosovo?

Chairman of the Democratic People's Party (DNP), Milan Knezevic, is once again bringing one of the most sensitive political topics in Montenegro, the recognition of Kosovo's independence, back to the center of debate. This time, through an initiative that aims to "deny" recognition of Kosovo, initially at the local level and then in the Parliament of Montenegro.

The initiative starts from Zeta, where on May 12 the Municipal Assembly is expected to adopt a symbolic decision to “de-recognize” Kosovo. Legally, such an action has no effect. Municipalities have no competence in foreign policy and cannot decide on the recognition or non-recognition of states. This is the exclusive responsibility of the central institutions of the state.

However, in the Balkans, symbolic actions often have greater political weight than their legal effect. This is precisely the essence of this initiative. The goal does not seem to be an immediate change in the state course of Montenegro, but rather to create a political atmosphere, mobilize the pro-Serb electorate, and keep alive a topic that continues to produce strong polarization in Montenegrin society.

Knežević has been using identity issues as a political instrument for years. Whenever the political scene enters a period of tension or uncertainty, issues such as Kosovo, Serbia, NATO or relations with Russia return to the forefront. These are topics that emotionalize the public debate and mobilize the Serbian nationalist base in Montenegro. Once again, the moment does not seem coincidental.

In the background, there is a constant climate of conflict between two visions for the Montenegrin state. One side sees the country's future as linked to the European Union and NATO, while the other side seeks stronger political, cultural and strategic ties with Serbia and Russia.

Knežević is among the most vocal figures of this second camp, and the DNP has long been considered part of the pro-Serb and pro-Russian bloc.

For this reason, the initiative for Kosovo is read more as a political signal than as a real institutional process. Essentially, it aims to test the political terrain and create a chain of symbolic decisions in Serb-majority municipalities, in the hope that public pressure will then be transferred to the parliamentary level. Knežević himself has announced that he intends to take this issue to the Montenegrin Parliament, asking the government to withdraw recognition of Kosovo.

But that's exactly where the clash with the country's political and international reality begins.

Montenegro recognized Kosovo in 2008 and since then this decision has become part of its Euro-Atlantic strategic orientation. A withdrawal of recognition would have serious diplomatic consequences for a NATO member state and candidate for European integration. Moreover, it would produce strong internal tensions in a society that remains deeply divided on identity issues.

In this sense, many analysts in Montenegro also see it as unlikely that such an initiative will easily translate into a state decision. But this does not mean that the topic is without consequences. On the contrary, the political effect could be considerable. The debate itself increases tensions, polarizes public opinion and puts pressure on the center parties and the government to position themselves clearly.

Knežević's name also continues to be linked to the 2016 episode, when Montenegrin authorities claimed an attempted coup on the day of parliamentary elections, with the involvement of Serbian nationalists and Russian elements.

Although the court proceedings ended with the annulment of previous decisions, the event remains a symbol of the ongoing clash over Montenegro's strategic orientation.

For his supporters, Knežević represents resistance to policies they consider imposed by the West. For opponents, he remains a symbol of a policy that aligns more with the interests of Belgrade and Moscow than with Podgorica's Euro-Atlantic course.

So even if Zeta approves a resolution on "de-recognition" of Kosovo on May 12, the practical effect on Kosovo's status will be zero.

But in Balkan politics, symbolism often counts more than jurisdiction. And that is precisely where the real importance of this initiative lies: not in the possibility of changing state policy, but in the ability to generate tension, mobilize the electorate, and once again bring the battle for Montenegro's identity and strategic direction back to the center of the debate.

The Geopost