Montenegro Parliament Discusses Controversial Senate Appointment

The Montenegrin Parliament is currently engaged in a contentious debate regarding the appointment of a new member to the Senate of the State Audit Institution (DRI). During a plenary session, Member of Parliament Mihailo Anđušić highlighted that the opposition has raised concerns about the qualifications of the candidate, Predrag Radunović. Despite assurances from the ruling parties that Radunović was suitable for the position, he has withdrawn his candidacy following pressure from legislators who recognized the compromised nature of the selection process.

On March 14, 2024, the Economic, Finance, and Budget Committee proposed that Milan Popović be appointed to the Senate in light of Radunović’s withdrawal. The agenda also includes discussions on a report from the Consultative Hearing regarding candidates for the DRI Senate, alongside proposed amendments to personal income tax laws and property tax laws.

Concerns Over Institutional Integrity

During the session, Vaslije Čarapić emphasized the critical role of the DRI in maintaining financial oversight in Montenegro. However, he expressed deep concerns about the institution’s integrity, stating, “We cannot say that this institution has been developed with integrity. This is an institution that still requires significant improvement.” He pointed out that members of the Senate should not be politically active, a practice he claims has been ignored in the past.

Čarapić accused prior members of the DRI of acting selectively and favoring political affiliations over impartiality, stating that the institution lacked “the aura it needed to have.” His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some legislators that the DRI must undergo reforms to restore its credibility and effectiveness.

Another MP, Miloš Konatar, described the DRI as the most important body for monitoring public spending in Montenegro. He criticized the committee for endorsing a candidate who does not meet the qualifications for Senate membership. “We had a situation where the majority on the committee proposed a candidate who did not meet the criteria,” Konatar stated. He called for a reevaluation of the candidate selection process to ensure that integrity is upheld.

Calls for a Reformed Selection Process

Opposition MP Boris Mugoša expressed frustration over the situation, reading a letter from Popović, who indicated he would not participate in the appointment process. “He stated that he would not be part of this story and that he is not interested in this candidacy,” Mugoša noted. This development raises questions about the motivations behind the proposed appointment and its implications for Montenegro’s European integration efforts.

Mugoša suggested that the ruling majority might be intentionally obstructing progress towards European integration, as the appointment of a Senate member is a crucial benchmark under Chapter 32 of the EU accession negotiations. He questioned the direction in which the current political maneuvers are leading the country.

As the parliamentary session continues, the implications of these discussions for the DRI’s future and Montenegro’s governance remain to be fully realized. The outcome will potentially influence not only the integrity of the DRI but also the broader political landscape in Montenegro.