Montenegro debates new local self-government law

Montenegrin Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj stated that the proposed Law on Local Self-Government was developed over four years in an inclusive manner, coordinated with systemic institutions and European partners. The proposal is currently under debate by parliamentarians.

Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP Mihailo Anđušić described the law as controversial, not due to its content, but because of the ongoing chaos within local governments. He questioned the utility of new legislation if municipal leaders continue to ignore legal opinions and central government appeals.

Anđušić cited specific instances of local mismanagement, including the appointment of a relative to a parliamentary secretary position in Andrijevica and the refusal of the head of Mojkovac to resign following a conviction for abuse of office. The Ministry of Public Administration has recommended that the Mojkovac municipal assembly take formal steps to terminate the official's mandate following his judicial sentence.