Montenegro is coming out of a decisive year for the entire society and entering a year of temptation in which the dismantling of the system awaits, Mr Dritan Abazović, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the United Reform Action (URA), told the Dan.
“The year that is behind us is definitely the strangest year that one can remember, partly because of COVID19 and the overall epidemiological situation, and partly because of the political changes that the citizens of Montenegro have seen for the first time in their history since the beginning of our parliamentary life. I hope that the year will be progressive, for the stabilization of the health and economic situation, that we will have a tourist season and that reforms will be achieved to a significant extent”, states Mr Abazović.
He is certain that we will be facing far-reaching reforms and, he says, there is no doubt about it.
“Some changes have already been done, some will follow shortly, and some others wait for the legal procedure. After 30 years of the rule of the same set of people, accumulation and politicization of institutions, changes cannot be achieved overnight. We do not have a magic stick to swipe off in one move all the damage that was inflicted on the citizens and the state. One thing is for sure: we will not act within the gray zone of disobeying law and Constitution,” emphasized Mr Abayović.
He pointed out the priority of the new Government to be fighting against serious crime and corruption.
He emphasized that the Council for the high-level corruption, with him, the Vice Prime Minister, at the head, has already been established.
The anti-corruption process, said Mr Abazović, is not managed by the Government only, but also by the Prosecutor’s office and courts, which is why it is necessary to have changes in the personnel and to find a sustainable solution.
“It is very important that we have a Prosecutors office and courts that act in accordance with laws and the Constitution of Montenegro,” Mr Abazović has warned.
The previous officials have acted as if they can never be replaced.
“The Council for the fight against high-level corruption will deal with the most complicated cases. How far will it take us and to which post-holders, it remains to be seen. Proceedings against numerous officials have already been initiated,” stated Mr Abazović.
The Deputy Prime Minister also points out that it is desirable for officials to resign from the positions they cover. This will certainly not absolve them of responsibility. As he noted, all cases will be investigated and all officials will be held accountable.
“It is good that some officials are resigning on their own. It is good that the President of the Supreme Court has decided to resign on her own. I call on others to withdraw and free the space for those who will work, especially in accordance with legal principles. We will respect procedures and legal deadlines, but one thing is for sure, we will replace the key fists of the former regime,” Mr Abazović was categorical.
He hopes that after the holidays, by the end of January, the procedure for the dismissal of the head of the Police Administration will be completed and that the preparation of amendments to the Law on police will be completed, based on which the Police Administration will be returned under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and which will enable to control to be better exercised.
“We have never had more shifts in the ANB than now. This service also is waiting for a big refreshment. I mean the same for the Ministry of Defense, especially for the Military Intelligence Service, where we will have a new man with a professional appointment. By the end of spring, I expect the largest number of changes in all structures to be implemented,” said Mr Abazović.
Medenica and Veljovic will also be held accountable
The fact that some are retiring from their positions like Ms Vesna Medenica or Mr Veselin Veljović is good, says Abazović. However, he warns that these, as well as other officials, are not absolved from responsibility for their previous actions.
“It is clear that in Montenegro, due to the complicated procedure, it is difficult to dismiss a doorman, let alone those who hold important state positions. This resigning, however, has nothing to do with their activities. This applies to both Medenica and the former director of police. We will respect the institute that everyone is innocent until proven otherwise. We will enter the process of examining the documentation, so the fact that someone withdrew does not mean that they have been forgotten,” Mr Abazović said.
