Montenegro’s opposition accuses Italian premier of ‘meddling’

Podgorica, Montenegro – Montenegro’s political opposition on Monday accused Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of “meddling” in the Balkan country’s current election campaign.

Nebojsa Medojevic, head of the Movement for Change, made the statement in reaction to Berlusconi’s one-day visit with Montenegran Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic in Podgorica. 

In the meeting, the Italian leader had agreed to new Italian investment in the Montenegro’s energy and tourism sectors, local media reported.

Berlusconi however refused to meet with representatives of the opposition.

The Italian leader’s visit with Djukanovic, whom Italian justice officials had previously placed under investigation over alleged mafia ties, was a “bad sign” in the battle against organized crime, Medojevic said.

Montenegro’s parliamentary elections are set to take place March 29.