Djukanovic takes office as president of Montenegro

Djukanovic took his oath in Cetina on the day his predecessor Filip Vujanovic expires his term.

“As the president of the state, I will devote myself to preserving Montenegro's independence and sovereignty and affirmation as a civil, democratic, ecological and social rights state based on the rule of law”, Djukanovic said.

In addition to MPs, the ceremonial hearing at the Government House in Cetina participated in former presidents, the highest officials in parliament, the government, and institutions.

The session participated along with members of the government, religious personalities, university reactors, diplomatic body members, non-resident ambassadors, military defence representatives and representatives of international organisations.

In presidential elections held on April 15th, Djukanovic won 53.9 per cent of the vote. Djukanovic also supported the minority political parties, who defeated his victory in the first round of elections. He'll be exercising this post for five years.

Montenegro's president represents the state inside and abroad, issues laws, announces parliamentary elections, proposes to parliament candidates for prime minister, as well as the chairman and members of the Constitutional Court.

The president proposes to parliament to announce referendum, approve amnesty for criminal acts, division of medals and prices, and perform other constitutionally defined tasks.

Since the establishment of the multiparty system, Montenegrin presidents have been Momir Bulatovic, with two mandates -- Djukanovic for a mandate -- and Filip Vujanovic with three mandates.