Koprivica’s Office: Amendment introduces stricter conditions for special advisers and chiefs of staff

In relation to the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Civil Servants and State Employees—an important reform initiative of the Government and the competent ministry—Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica proposed an amendment, which was accepted, aimed at establishing anti-corruption restrictions and integrity checks for key high-ranking officials, particularly within the executive branch. 

The existing legislation lacked any restrictions or integrity verification processes for these officials, who hold influential positions in decision-making. This significant shortcoming in the system had been repeatedly highlighted in international evaluations of Montenegro’s anti-corruption framework, particularly in GRECO recommendations. 

To strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms and vetting procedures, the Government has included provisions in the Draft Law stating that individuals cannot be appointed or nominated as advisers to the President of the State, Parliament, or Government; as advisers to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament or Deputy Prime Ministers; or as chiefs of staff and deputy chiefs of staff in these institutions if they: 

• Have been convicted by a final judgment of a criminal offense that disqualifies them from holding public office; 
• Have been dismissed, suspended, or subjected to disciplinary measures for violating anti-corruption laws within the past three years; 
• Have been found to have breached regulations on prohibited donations to political parties and election campaigns; 
• Have engaged in illegal lobbying within the past three years; 
• Have been listed in the lobbyist register within the past year, in accordance with lobbying regulations. 

Before any nomination, appointment, or assignment to these positions, an integrity check will be conducted to ensure compliance with these conditions. 

The integrity verification process will involve candidates completing a questionnaire and submitting a formal statement on a prescribed form. The data provided will then be cross-checked with the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and the criminal records registry. 

The relevant government bodies responsible for appointments will define the content and format of the questionnaire and declaration form for integrity screening. 

With this measure, the Government demonstrates its commitment to building a system fully resistant to corruption and abuse, while enhancing the credibility and integrity of institutions. By enforcing rigorous selection criteria, the administration ensures that public policy remains solely focused on the common good and upholds the rule of law.