Conflicting views of the state-building process and the fight between Serbian and Montenegrin nationalisms are both the reason for and the context in which to analyze the current crisis in Montenegro.
The current problems started once the government decided to fast-track the controversial Law on the Freedom of Worship. The leadership of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro (SPC) and almost its entire flock as well as their political representatives interpreted this law as an attempt by the state to take away both their houses of worship and properties used by the SPC in Montenegro, and transfer the ownership to the recently reconstituted Montenegrin Orthodox Church (CPC). It should be said that while the law in question has many weak points, it is far from obvious that its effect would confirm the darkest fears the SPC leadership and opposition politicians announced urbi et orbi.
Tempers flared as the MPs from the opposition Democratic Front (DF) disrupted the parliamentary session, destroyed the audio system, hurled insults at their political rivals, and threated to cut off the arms of those who would raise them to vote in favour of this law. The entire DF Caucus was then arrested and taken away from the parliament building in two police vans, while the remaining MPs voted unanimously to adopt this legislation.
