Which Global Leaders Do Montenegrins Admire?

From Donald Trump to Narendra Modi, the world leaders admired most by Montenegrin voters speak volumes about voters current priorities. While admiration is far from universal and often deeply divided along age, region and gender lines, the results offer striking insights into the values and worldviews shaping Montenegro’s electorate in 2025.

#### Donald Trump Leads the Field, Especially Among Older and Coastal Voters

With 26% of voters selecting Donald Trump, the current U.S. president is the most admired global figure in Montenegro. Support for Trump is especially strong among women (30%) and voters aged 18–24 (38%), an interesting result given his global reputation. Regional patterns also matter as Trump is favoured by 41% of voters in the coastal region, suggesting his blend of nationalism, economic populism and outsider bravado resonates with parts of the electorate who favour strongman-style politics and anti-establishment rhetoric.

This support may also reflect broader Euroscepticism and frustration with what some view as elite-driven or externally imposed reform agendas. Trump’s appeal to “sovereignty first” politics and his critiques of EU-style integration may feel aligned with certain Montenegrin concerns.

#### Narendra Modi’s Appeal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ranks joint second overall with Volodymyr Zelenskyy (18%) but is especially popular among men (26% compared to 11% of women) and older voters with 34% support among those aged 45-54. Similar to Trump, his blend of conservative values and assertive foreign policy may appeal to those who see him as a model of strong, stable governance.

#### Zelenskyy Remains Popular

Leading his country during an ongoing war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has earned respect globally and is liked by 18% of voters in Montenegro, with higher support among men (21%) and young adults. His strongest support comes from the northern region (26%). This support for the Ukrainian leader may reflect the Montenegrin’s population desire to move away from Russian influence and join with the EU.

The data shows that admiration for Zelenskyy does not cut across all groups, his support among women and coastal voters is notably lower. This may reflect growing fatigue or uncertainty about the long-term costs of aligning closely with Ukraine and the West in a geopolitically tense environment.

#### Mixed Feelings Toward Regional Leaders

Admiration for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić (15%), Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (15%) and other Balkan leaders like Albin Kurti (10%) and Edi Rama (9%) is relatively modest and fragmented by region. Vučić’s support peaks in the northern region (26%), perhaps reflecting ethnic and historical ties. Kurti is also more liked in the north (19%) and among 18–24-year-olds (16%).

Overall, admiration for Balkan leaders remains cautious. These figures are well-known but often polarising, shaped more by regional geopolitics than global stature.

#### Low Name Recognition for EU Leaders

Only 12% of Montenegrins say they like Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. This is telling. Despite Montenegro’s official EU accession path, top EU officials like von der Leyen are far less admired than Trump or Modi and in some regions, barely noticed.

Download the data tables for this poll.