Response by Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica to the State Audit Institution's statement

Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica responded to the statement issued by the State Audit Institution regarding the investigation into the alleged financing of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) by Aleksandar Mijajlović and the company Bemax. Koprivica expressed concern over the State Audit Institution’s handling of the matter, suggesting that such statements could negatively impact the credibility and accountability of institutions.

The fact that the State Audit Institution issued a statement asserting that Mijajlović and Bemax are not listed among DPS donors may be perceived as a premature conclusion. Instead of contributing to a thorough investigation and promoting transparency, the State Audit Institution’s approach creates the impression of defending DPS, remarked Koprivica. He added that unprincipled protection of others simultaneously points fingers at the institution itself, particularly considering that, unlike the Agency for Prevention of Corruption, the State Audit Institution audits the party's comprehensive accounts.

Referring to Article 55 of the Law on Financing Political Entities and Election Campaigns, which mandates that the State Audit Institution conducts an audit of annual consolidated financial reports of political entities based on assessed risk and criteria from the Financial Audit and Compliance Methodology Guide, Koprivica raised the question of whether this process is conducted substantively or merely rubber-stamps party submissions. He highlighted concerns over substantial donations to the former ruling party from economically vulnerable individuals, along with suspicious same-day donations from large groups of individuals. A professional and objective approach requires clarifying whether these are genuine donors or merely fronts for undisclosed funders.

The Deputy Prime Minister also pointed to research from the MANS organisation, according to which Aleksandar Mijajlović acknowledged financing certain media outlets and the strongest opposition party in Montenegro. Additionally, he referenced statements by the Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, indicating that Mijajlović had informed them in writing about being a donor to the opposition, an assertion warranting a serious institutional response.

Regarding such claims, it is essential that all state institutions, particularly the State Audit Institution, investigate impartially and professionally, without issuing statements that could raise doubts about their objectivity, added Koprivica.

He underscored the importance of rigorous oversight in political party financing and urged the State Audit Institution to fully cooperate with the prosecutor's office and all relevant institutions to dispel any doubts and establish the facts.

Institutions are expected to act responsibly, professionally, and transparently, as only such an approach builds citizens' trust. In this regard, we expect the State Audit Institution, rather than issuing premature statements, to dedicate all available resources to a comprehensive review of all allegations, concluded Koprivica.