Parents in Podgorica protest law that bars unvaccinated children from kindergartens

A group of parents gathered on September 15, 2026, in front of the Constitutional Court in Podgorica to protest a law that bars unvaccinated children from attending kindergarten. The demonstration coincided with a public hearing on the constitutionality of making vaccination a condition for preschool attendance.

Protest and public hearing at 10:00

The rally began at 10:00, when the court had scheduled the public debate. Organisers identified in social-media posts include the NGO NVU Luča slobode, and participants carried a banner with the slogan: "Children have the right to kindergarten. Parents have the right to choose."

Among those who spoke was parent Nebojša Janjević, who warned that the mobilisation would not end even if the Constitutional Court upholds the law. He told the crowd: "The Assembly has the right to change the law."

Mother of three Ema Mujezinović said demonstrators were opposing the measure that forbids children from attending kindergartens. She argued the restriction is unconstitutional and complained that experts are not listening to parents' views.

Parent Novak Raičković described the measure as "shameful" and said the rule opens kindergartens only to some. He added: "We will continue the protests and are considering blocking kindergartens."

The Constitutional Court held a public hearing on the provisions of the Law on the Protection of the Population from Infectious Diseases that require mandatory vaccination for children to remain in public and private pre‑school institutions, except when there is a permanent medical contraindication for a specific immunisation. The law came into force on January 16, 2026, and while vaccination had previously been a legal obligation, the new text explicitly links vaccination status to the right to attend kindergarten.

The court said representatives of the non‑governmental organisations Association Parents and Alternative Montenegro would participate in the hearing, having filed initiatives arguing the disputed legal provision is incompatible with the Constitution of Montenegro and with ratified international agreements; they maintain the rule disproportionately restricts children’s access to pre‑school education.

Photo: Printskrin / Iks/@RTCGme