DPM Bečić addresses the ceremonial academy on the occasion of Interior Ministry Day

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić delivered a speech at the Ceremonial Academy organised in honor of Interior Ministry Day.

Congratulating all officers of the Ministry of Interior, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić extended his best wishes to them, stating, "I congratulate you on this significant day, a day deeply rooted in Montenegro’s history, with foundations laid long ago by the esteemed Petrović dynasty."

As the coordinator of the intelligence and security sector and Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Bečić expressed immense gratitude to the officers of the Ministry of Interior and the Police Directorate for their perseverance. "Thank you for your dedication, especially in light of the personnel shortages we are facing, and for the superhuman efforts you make to meet all the challenges and obligations before us."

He also praised their bravery in confronting dangerous and well-financed criminal organisations, emphasising their role in restoring a healthy value system and upholding the integrity of Montenegro’s security services. "Thank you for always preserving the honor of our uniforms and for never bringing disgrace to them. This gratitude comes not only from me but from every honest citizen and true patriot of this country," Bečić added.

Bečić acknowledged the challenges inherited by the current administration, including personnel, operational, and normative deficits, but highlighted the government's efforts over the past 11 months to address these issues. He pointed out the adoption of a revised Law on Internal Affairs, which will soon enable a much-needed influx of new personnel into the Ministry of Interior and the Police Directorate. He stressed the procurement of new police vehicles and efforts to modernize police uniforms, which have been awaited for nearly a decade.

Additionally, he emphasised the progress made in legislative reforms, including the adoption of several key laws and the finalization of the Traffic Safety Strategy, with the expectation that the Strategy for Combating Transnational Crime will also soon be adopted.

In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić reaffirmed his commitment to a transparent and professional security sector, free of crime, corruption, and undue influence. He praised the excellent cooperation between Montenegro's security sector, the prosecutorial organisation, and international partners such as Europol and Interpol, which has resulted in significant achievements in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

Bečić concluded with a call to action for all members of the security sector to continue safeguarding Montenegro’s borders, coastlines, rivers, forests, and citizens. "Together, we will preserve a free, legally governed, and eternal Montenegro," he stated.

The Ceremonial Academy was opened by Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović, with remarks also delivered by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.