Corruption vs. Hope: Montenegro’s Turning Point | DW News

Key Concepts

• Systemic Corruption: The deep-rooted institutionalized graft that characterized the 30-year rule of Milo Djukanovic.
• Mafia State: A term used to describe Montenegro’s status under the previous regime, where organized crime and political power were inextricably linked.
• EU Accession: The primary geopolitical goal for Montenegro, with a target membership date of 2028.
• Institutional Capture: The process by which the Djukanovic inner circle controlled key state infrastructure, courts, and economic projects.
• Rule of Law Reform: The ongoing effort to prosecute high-level officials and restore judicial integrity.

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1. The Legacy of the Djukanovic Era

Milo Djukanovic, who rose to power as a member of the Yugoslav Communist League, maintained control over Montenegro for over three decades. His tenure is characterized by:

• Economic Control: The accumulation of vast wealth by his family and inner circle, exemplified by luxury developments like the hotel in Kolasin, which critics like Ines Mrdovic allege served as a vehicle for money laundering.
• Infrastructure as Political Tool: The 2014 highway project serves as a primary example of "oversized and overpriced" infrastructure. Costing 1 billion euros, the project forced the nation into significant debt to China and funneled contracts to "favored firms," including those owned by Djukanovic’s son.

2. Challenges to Judicial Reform

Despite the 2023 ousting of Djukanovic, the new administration faces significant hurdles in cleaning up the judiciary:

• Institutional Weakness: Valentina Pavlicic, President of the Supreme Court, notes that the country’s institutions were ill-equipped for the sudden influx of complex organized crime cases.
• Lack of Qualified Staff: A critical shortage of untainted, qualified personnel hampers the ability to process cases effectively.
• Historical Obstruction: The 2013 Supreme Court break-in, where evidence vanished and suspects were released, serves as a case study of the deep-seated corruption that previously paralyzed the justice system.

3. Progress and Anti-Corruption Momentum

The current government has demonstrated a shift in momentum through high-profile prosecutions. Notable convictions include:

• The former Supreme Court President.
• The former Chief Special Prosecutor.
• The President of the Commercial Court.
• The Director and two assistant directors of the police.
• The Director of the National Security Agency.

These actions represent a significant departure from the past, signaling that the "old guard" is now being held accountable.

4. The Role of Public Oversight and Media

A key shift in Montenegro’s political landscape is the increased role of public scrutiny.

• Case Study (Coastal Road Project): When contractors attempted to inflate costs for a road modernization project, a local official refused to sign off and sought help from activists. By taking the issue to the media, the public pressure forced the contractors to retract their demands for extra funds.
• Significance: This demonstrates that the government is no longer operating in a vacuum; the public and media now act as a check on corruption, forcing transparency in public procurement.

5. Synthesis and Conclusion

Montenegro is currently in a transitional phase, attempting to pivot from a "mafia state" to a functional democracy capable of EU membership by 2028. The primary obstacle remains the lingering influence of the Djukanovic era, which manifests in both economic debt and institutional rot.

The path forward relies on two pillars:

1. Judicial Accountability: Continuing the prosecution of high-level officials to restore public trust in the rule of law.
2. Transparency: Utilizing media and public oversight to prevent the "favored firm" culture that previously dominated state contracts.

As noted in the report, while corruption is difficult to quantify, the government’s willingness to confront its own institutions is a necessary prerequisite for meeting EU criteria and securing the country's economic future. The transition is not merely political but structural, requiring the dismantling of a 30-year-old network of influence.