Questions to the Prime Minister

Podgorica, Montenegro (29 October 2014) – Questions to the Prime Minister session was held Tuesday at the Parliament of Montenegro, where PM Đukanović faced the questions from MPs related to the EU Commission's2014 Progress Report, Law on High Education, NATO accession process and so-called Audio-recordings Affair.

PM Đukanović underlined the EU Commission’s Progress Report is very important constitutive element of the negotiation process, which in a detailed manner describes the progress made so far, also giving guidelines necessary for further implementation of the commitments from the European agenda. In that regard, he stressed that this year’s report completely corresponds with the current expectations.

The report also stated that Montenegro has met political criteria at a satisfactory level. As to economic parametres, the state has made progress in establishing a functioning market economy, PM Đukanović stressed.

It placed particular emphasis on the chapters 23 and 24, PM Đukanović underlined, and commends the progress made in the judiciary and fundamental rights.

Having in mind the need to provide social and political responsibility of all stakeholders in the process, it is crucial to reach a consensus on the key areas from the EU agenda, PM Đukanović emphasised, referring to the recently elected State Public Prosecutor. Reaching a consensus on joint action of all political constituents is in the states’ interest and is also the best way to show the EU that all stakeholders in Montenegro cherish common aspirations, responsibility and commitment in pursuing the same goal, PM Đukanović concluded.

When it comes to the issue of the high education, PM Đukanović underlined that the implementation of the Bologna system has increased the number of university graduate students in Montenegro, higher transience among students and higher mobility of students and academic stuff.

However, the quality of education is not at the desired level, particularly in terms of adjustment of knowledge and skills to the market needs, PM Đukanović underlined, reiterating the issue remains one of the Government’s priorities. Productivity of the state economy, quality of life of citizens, as well as young people’s opportunities to compete in the labour market, depend on the governments’ capacity to meet these goals, he pointed out.

In that regard, the new Law on High Education prescribes for that external evaluation of the education system in Montenegro will be performed by an international agency, which submits reports and recommendations to the Council for Higher Education for the further implementation. In that regard, the quality of higher education’s programmes and institutions will be comparable to the international ones. Having in mind the shortcomings within the harmonisation of the knowledge and skills with the market needs, the Law on High Education sets out that all high education institutions should conduct market labour researches in order to introduce adequate study programmes and implement admission policy more efficiently.

Another issue is related to the high rate of the youth unemployment and lack of required knowledge and skills, but the Government is committed to successfully deal with this issue through the programme of labour employment practice for graduate students, PM Đukanović underlined. The Government continues promoting the programme, which gives the opportunity to all young graduates to participate in the vocational training in order to better perform their tasks, PM Đukanović pointed out.
Law on Higher Education guarantees same rules for studying at state and private universities, as well as equal rights for all students, PM Đukanović noted, emphasising the law forbids the state to grant privileged nor discriminatory status to any high education institution.

In addressing the issue of the so-called Audio-recording Affair, the Prime Minister explained the EU Commission’s report noted there were no additional political activities within the technical report issued by the Parliament in July 2013 on the alleged abuse of public resources for political parties’ purposes. According to the report, the first instance trial was conducted only in the municipality of Pljevlja where two persons were sentenced to probation and ten persons were acquitted, Mr Đukanović underscored.

According to the Parliament’s official report and technical report of the survey committee, the affair can be considered politically terminated, PM Đukanović stressed. He reiterated that the ruling party contributed to the clarification of this contrived political scandal by supporting the establishment the investigative committee, participating in the constructive work of the committee and responding to every call for hearing.

He also mentioned that the judiciary institutions are working their job without any political interference, adding that if the court determines the responsibility of any member of the ruling party, the court sanctioning will imply political responsibility within the party.

PM Đukanović also talked about his government’s activities towards meeting the requirements for the Euro – Atlantic agenda. In that regard, he reiterated his belief that Montenegro stands a chance to get an invitation for NATO membership by the end of 2015. NATO integration is really complex and delicate issue which requires a comprehensive reform process and the decision on inviting an aspiring country depends on a wide range political and strategic considerations and priorities which allies are considering in the precise moment, PM Đukanović explained. The government is committed to making efforts towards pursuing Euro-Atlantic agenda and all the activities within this strategic goal are presented within the Fifth Annual National Programme, which is presented in Brussels on 17 October, he added. That means that the government will continue implementing reforms, particularly in the four key areas: security, rule of law, public support and defence sector, PM Đukanović underlined. Creating preconditions for ensuring security and higher level of media freedom is also one of the governments’ priorities aimed at boosting cooperation between state institutions and media, he added.

When it comes to the level of public support, the government will continue making efforts in that regard, including media campaigns aimed at strengthening public trust needed for the NATO membership, PM Đukanović highlighted.

NATO and EU accession process is another name for security, stability, prosperity, democratic and economic development of Montenegro and the entire region, which means the reform process has to be supported by the entire society, regardless of daily political disagreements, the Prime Minister concluded.