POLITICAL PATRONAGE WITHOUT EXPERTISE AT REGIONAL WATERWORKS CRNOGORSKO PRIMORJE!
Did you know that one of Montenegro’s most important public enterprises, the Regional Waterworks Crnogorsko Primorje, is turning into a playground for political games and patronage? Yes, you read that right! While the audit committee should be a pillar of expertise and independent oversight, it has become a place for party appointees with zero relevant knowledge or experience.
Who are the new audit committee members?
At the head of the audit committee is Marko Milačić, a former MP and leader of the pro-Russian pro-Serbian political party Prava Crne Gore. Alongside him are Milan Vukadinović, a graduate ecologist, and Zoran Miljanić, a graduate lawyer. But wait – none of them have formal education, certifications, or work experience in accounting or auditing, which is a legal requirement! The law clearly states that at least one member must have expertise in accounting and auditing, but here? Not a trace.
Isn’t the law supposed to be followed?
Apparently not. Procedural changes introduced to bypass the Ministry of Finance’s consent are a serious legal flaw. These changes are legally void and open the door to challenge the entire appointment process before competent authorities. Transparency and independence of oversight are seriously compromised, which is unacceptable for such a key public enterprise.
How much does this farce cost?
The audit committee chairman, Milan Vukadinović, receives a monthly fee of 800 euros, while members Miljanić and Milačić earn 600 euros each per month. All this for work that apparently does not meet legal standards of expertise. Not to mention that Zoran Lakušić, chairman of the board of directors, submitted his resignation back in December last year, but it has not been accepted because the government does not want to lose its appointees.
Political games at the expense of citizens
This chaos is no accident. The Regional Waterworks has become a playground for political deals between the Democratic People’s Party and pro-Russian pro-Serbian forces that took power. Lakušić has dismissed three executive directors in less than three years, and now the government struggles to find him a new patronage post because if dismissed, he would be entitled to a severance pay of around 48,000 euros!
Why aren’t we surprised?
Because Montenegro has been trapped for years in a web of political influence and corruption. While citizens struggle with everyday problems, public enterprises turn into party spoils, and laws are broken with no consequences.
Conclusion
The Regional Waterworks Crnogorsko Primorje is a prime example of how public enterprises are abused for political purposes, undermining transparency, independence, and efficiency. While politicians fight for their seats and privileges, citizens pay the price – with poor service and irresponsibility.
What about you? Surprised or used to these shows? Share your thoughts, maybe together we can find a way to stop this farce once and for all! Or at least have a laugh watching it all fall apart…
