EditThe Montenegro’s outburst of anti-Turkish violence explained
Although the attacks were preceded by a campaign led by pro-Serbian right-wingers, allegations that Vučić’s government is involved remain unsubstantiated
A string of violent incidents targeting Turkish immigrants in Montenegro- ranging from demolished businesses and physical assaults to lynch threats – has laid bare widespread Islamophobia and xenophobia, placing Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s government in a deeply uncomfortable position. EUalive’s partner Beta agency takes a deeper look.
Although the attacks were preceded by an orchestrated online campaign led by pro-Serbian right-wing websites and politicians, allegations that Aleksandar Vučić’s government in Belgrade is orchestrating the protests remain unsubstantiated and lack concrete evidence.
The Spark that ignited the crisis
Over the past two weeks, Montenegro has seen multiple assaults on Turkish nationals and their properties. The spiral began after foreign nationals stabbed Marko Jačimović, a young man from Podgorica, during a street brawl. On 24 October, social media erupted with calls for vengeance, culminating in protests across Montenegrin cities where demonstrators chanted “Turks out!” Police initially detained a 31-year-old Azerbaijani and a 54-year-old Turk, only to release them after confirming they were not at the scene. Two other Azerbaijanis were later arrested while allegedly fleeing to Albania.
Despite no Turkish involvement in the stabbing, anti-Turkish hysteria has swept the country. Nearly all Turkish-owned shops in Podgorica remain shuttered. The core protest message: “The Turks must be driven out of Montenegro.”
Economic backdrop: Turkey’s investment surge
Public anger is fuelled not only by xenophobia but also by Turkey’s dramatic economic footprint. Official data show Turkey led foreign direct investment (FDI) in Montenegro for the first eight months of 2025, injecting over €92 million – primarily into real estate – surpassing both Serbia and Russia. Since 2020, Turkish FDI has grown fivefold, according to the Central Bank of Montenegro.
Spajić’s cabinet now faces the delicate task of responding without jeopardizing ties with Ankara. In a controversial move, the government abruptly imposed visa requirements on Turkish citizens, prompting Turkey to threaten reciprocity.
Montenegro suspends visa-free regime with Turkey after violence
While Montenegro – leading the EU accession queue – must eventually align with Brussels on visa policy for Turkey and ten other nations, the timing during peak unrest suggests a rushed bid to placate domestic outrage.
Building the anti-Turkish atmosphere
The violence did not erupt in a vacuum. Weeks earlier, pro-Serbian outlets like Borba claimed 100,000 Turks lived in Montenegro (population: 620,000), warning their “political actions” threatened ethnic balance. Ruling coalition MP Milan Knežević escalated the figure to 110,000 and linked it to Turkey’s drone shipments to Kosovo—whose independence his Democratic People’s Party rejects, despite Montenegro’s 2008 recognition.
Fact-checking platform Raskrinkavanje traced much of the narrative to social media accounts tied to pro-Serbian parties in the former Democratic Front, particularly Knežević’s group and Andrija Mandić’s New Serbian Democracy (NSD). Bots called for “walks through migrant hunting grounds” and assemblies targeting foreigners.
On 28 October, five prominent figures joined an anti-migrant rally outside government headquarters chanting “Turks out!” and “Turks won’t walk our streets!” Radio Free Europe identified NSD officials Goran Milić and Zoran Ušćumlić, conservative activist Milivoje Brković (United Montenegro), Predrag Lazarević (Serbian Royal Army NGO), and lawyer Miomir Joksimović. NSD neither distanced itself nor commented.
Accusations against Vučić – unproven
Pro-Montenegrin media and opposition analysts suggest the unrest is a coordinated political signal from Belgrade (and possibly Moscow) to Ankara over Kosovo drones. However, this remains speculative. Vučić flatly denied involvement: “The thought has never even crossed my mind.” He accused critics of peddling “hatred of everything Serbian.”
On 4 November, Vučić countered by condemning Montenegro’s leadership for months of anti-Serbian campaigns while blaming Belgrade for its own failures. “They were ordered by Brussels to end visa-free travel with Turkey,” he said. “Just admit it – don’t undermine Serbia-Serbia relations. Shame on you.”
New law on foreigners: suddenly urgent
Amid the crisis, Spajić’s government fast-tracked amendments to the Law on Foreigners, set for parliamentary debate on 7 November. Though drafted over four years and publicly debated in mid-2023, the changes were unknown to most citizens until now. They are required to close EU negotiation Chapters 24 (Justice, Freedom, Security) and 2 (Worker Mobility).
Key provisions:
- Companies founded for residency must employ at least three full-time staff, including one Montenegrin citizen, and pay taxes.
- Real estate-based residency will depend on property value and size.
- Employment-based permits require full-time contracts above minimum wage with tax compliance.
- Any violation or address change without notification revokes status.
Until now, foreigners could register a €1 company to gain residency for themselves and families—a loophole driving real estate inflation and straining public services. Experts stress that while the amendments curb abuse, Montenegro urgently needs a comprehensive immigration strategy.
Caption: In Montenegro, several Turkish restaurants and cars set on fire after Turks attacked Montenegro Serbs in Podgorica. @MarioBojic on X
Updated: November 6, 2025 - 18:17
