The Government Law in Montenegro has been hanging in the air like an elusive shadow for years! Although the draft finally received the blessing of the Venice Commission in mid-June, the real drama is just beginning. Milena Muk from the Institute Alternative announces additional recommendations that will shed light on the technical mandate, organization, and obligations of the government, as well as the role of the General Secretariat during the handover of power. Will this law ever be adopted, or will we continue to watch endless delays and political games?
The Venice Commission praised the proposed amendments, especially those concerning the integrity checks of officials in line with GRECO recommendations, but also warned about the danger of overly restricting the technical mandate of the government. The Constitution, they say, does not provide a clear basis for such restrictions, so excessive narrowing could even be unconstitutional!
Milena Muk points out that the draft law does not clearly define the government’s responsibility to the Parliament, especially regarding accountability and reporting on the implementation of parliamentary conclusions. This problem has been dragging on for years, as the Prime Minister often avoids the prime minister’s hour, and MPs boycott parliamentary work when it suits them.
Maida Gorčević, the European affairs expert, believes the best solution would be to adopt laws on the executive and legislative branches simultaneously to avoid legal gaps and different interpretations. However, Milena Muk warns that this would only further delay the adoption of the Government Law, which is already stalled.
Institutions and politicians in Montenegro are clearly playing hot potato with this law, while citizens continue to watch the government and parliament mutually accuse and ignore each other. Will the law regulating the work of the Government ever see the light of day? Or will we remain trapped in an endless political soap opera?
If you have your own take on this never-ending drama, feel free to share it — maybe your comment will spark a wave of change!
