The goal is for citizens to be at the centre of all activities

Agile, inclusive and open public administration, efficient services, strong media freedom is the mission of the Ministry of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media, said Minister Tamara Srzentić, stating that the goal of that Ministry is for citizens to be at the centre of all activities.

Minister Srzentić, within the Government's video campaign "Potpisujem" (I sign) on the first 100 days of work, explained that by being ready to try new approaches, a simpler, faster and better Government could be created as a service to citizens.

"By working loudly, openly, sharing lessons learned and demonstrating change. By empowering and enabling people to think differently about the way we implement programmes and create policies," Srzentić said.

She pointed out that the goal is to put citizens at the centre of all activities, which is why the Office for Innovation and Digital Services was established, within which we will conduct research, use digital standards and agile principles in identifying problems, developing and delivering meaningful digital solutions.

"We are working on developing many, but we are highlighting some of the solutions and services that are already improving the lives of citizens. All digital solutions were made on open source platforms, at no cost to the state and citizens. Obavijesti me (Notify me) web platform will reduce queues in state administration waiting rooms and contribute to better and more efficient communication with citizens. Citizens will be informed about changes in COVID-19 measures, transactions, the status of documents via SMS, email or letter," said Srzentić.

She reminded that the new website covidodgovor.me and the national Call Centre 1717 are digital solutions aimed at informing and organising the vaccination process.

"On the e-Firma portal, online registration of companies is enabled, and existing companies are enabled to submit and receive requests for certificates online from the Central Registry of Business Entities (CRPS) and the Public Revenue Office. 21 thousand small companies and about 8000 entrepreneurs, through the eFaktura web platform, will be able to enter the process of electronic fiscalization in a simple and free way," said Srzentić.

She explained that public administration must be planned and shaped according to the needs of citizens, inclusive in consultations and decision-making with everyone, listening to the needs of everyone.

The Minister said that a new strategic framework in the field of public administration reform and digital transformation is being prepared, which should provide clear guidelines on how to be more transparent, more efficient and how to reduce bureaucracy.

The drafting of the Media Strategy has begun, which, as she explained, is the umbrella document aimed at improving the situation in the media community.

"Together with the Prime Minister, we have initiated a continuous dialogue with the media community in order to identify problems and challenges, create systemic, long-term and sustainable solutions, as well as improve mutual cooperation. We will give the greatest possible contribution so that all media in Montenegro work freely, responsibly, professionally and on a regulated market, where the same rules apply to everyone," said Srzentić.

In order to better control the media financing system, she said, the digitalization of the media register was done, through which all registered media in Montenegro are monitored, basic information, sources of financing, including financing from the public budget.

"Preparations of media support measures to overcome the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic have begun. These measures will predominantly involve financial incentives. None of this would have been possible if we had not joined forces with partners from academic sector, private sector, civil society and the international community. We all want the same, the 21st century Government of all citizens. Therefore, let's team up," said Srzentić.