Centre-right Montenegro said a vote of confidence is needed to determine whether his minority government has the support to keep operating.
“Early elections are not desirable but they could be a necessary evil” because of the climate of suspicion surrounding the government, he told parliament, where he does not have an absolute majority.
Pedro Nuno Santos, head of the main opposition Socialist party, on Saturday said that his party would abstain in a censure motion presented by the Communist Party, which should allow the government to survive for the time being.
But the Socialists said they would vote against the government in any eventual vote of no confidence, which could force fresh elections. The decision on whether to call new elections would be made by the country’s president.
Wednesday’s vote is the second vote of censure faced by Montenegro since his party won the largest share of the vote in legislative elections a year ago.
The Communists presented the latest motion on Sunday after local media reported that a service company owned by Montenegro’s wife and children had contracts with several private companies that rely on government concessions. The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing.
The opposition, however, continues to demand clarifications and the Socialist Party has indicated its intention to request the creation of a parliamentary commission of inquiry.
