The Democratic Party of Socialists Poised for Resurgence: A New Generation Shifts Montenegro’s Political Landscape

Montenegro’s political scene is abuzz with speculation that the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) could clinch victory if elections were held tomorrow. Recent polling data indicates that 38% of the electorate now favours the DPS—a notable 7% lead over the governing Movement Europe Now (ES), which sits at 31%. Intriguingly, the DPS seems to have captured the imagination of younger voters, with 59% support among the 18-24 age bracket. This unexpected resurgence raises questions about whether a new generation of Montenegrins—less familiar with the DPS’s lengthy tenure and its longtime leader, Milo Đukanović—has effectively “reset” the country’s political memory.

For nearly three decades, the DPS and Đukanović were synonymous with Montenegrin politics. From leading the country through its period of separation from Serbia to holding a continuous grip on executive and legislative power, the DPS shaped much of modern Montenegro’s trajectory. Over time, however, critics accused the party of consolidating too much authority, fostering corruption, and stifling political alternatives. These factors helped pave the way for the Movement Europe Now (ES) to eventually gain power, promising reforms and fresh perspectives.

Yet as the poll numbers suggest, the DPS may be tapping into a well-known political phenomenon: the capacity for parties with a contentious history to reinvent themselves in the eyes of voters who did not directly experience the controversies of the past. In the case of Montenegro, individuals aged 18-24 have relatively little firsthand memory of the DPS’s long-standing rule. Instead, many base their political perceptions on current messaging, party platforms, and promises of stability rather than the weight of historical baggage.

This pattern is not unique to Montenegro. Throughout history, political parties around the world have achieved comebacks when a new cohort of voters grows up with only second-hand knowledge of their past governance. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Conservative Party suffered a slump following the turbulence of the late 1990s but later enjoyed significant revival under David Cameron. Younger voters who had not lived through or closely remembered earlier Tory governments were more open to the party’s rebranded image, which promised modernisation and change. Similarly, in Spain, the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) rebounded at various junctures thanks to shifting demographics and the evolving priorities of younger electorates less tied to historical grievances.

Such political resurgences underscore the powerful role that generational turnover plays in shaping public opinion. As older voters—who may harbour more entrenched scepticism or memories—gradually cycle out, newcomers to the electorate tend to weigh different issues and emphasise contemporary platforms over historical legacies. The DPS, capitalising on its organisational experience and extensive network, appears to be leveraging this fresh start to position itself as a viable governing force once more.

Download the data tables for this poll.