Statement by Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica

The results of the survey on public perceptions of the State Prosecutor's Office, supported by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and conducted in October and November 2024 on a representative sample of 1,005 citizens, reflect the significant success and reform—primarily in staffing—of this state institution, as well as the overall qualitative changes in the country.

According to this highly credible survey, conducted under the auspices of the OSCE, the Supreme State Prosecutor's Office enjoys the trust of 64.1% of citizens, an increase of 14.5% compared to the previous year. Similarly, trust in the Special State Prosecutor's Office has risen to 64.8%, a growth of 9.7% compared to 2023.

More than half of respondents (51.5%) support the work of Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković, marking a 13.9% increase from 2023, when just over one-third of citizens supported the acting Supreme State Prosecutor at the time. Additionally, public support continues to grow for the Chief Special Prosecutor Vladimir Novović, whose work is now backed by 57.6% of citizens, representing a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year.

These objective results of independent research provide the strongest confirmation of the quality and reforms within the State Prosecutor's Office, which was previously a symbol of public distrust due to its history of covering up crimes and corruption, as well as chronic passivity. These findings on growing public trust also serve as a strong rebuttal to allegations from structures politically protecting the figures implicated in the Sky application, who have even planned and implemented illegal obstructions through institutions still influenced by remnants of the former regime. It is clear to all that such significant and continuous growth in public support can only be achieved through professional, courageous, and impartial work. A testament to this commitment is the U.S. State Department's 2023 Anti-Corruption Champion award to Chief Special Prosecutor Novović.

The increase in trust in the State Prosecutor's Office places an additional obligation on the state to continue reforms of the judicial framework. In recent months, the Government has undertaken significant reform activities aimed at enhancing the judiciary's overall position. In the coming period, further reforms are planned, focusing on a professional, inclusive, and systemic approach. This will include reforms to procedural legislation, strengthening the material and financial position of judicial officials, and addressing pressing issues related to spatial capacities.

Finally, I extend my congratulations to Supreme State Prosecutor Marković, Chief Special Prosecutor Novović, and all state prosecutors whose professional work has contributed to the fight against corruption and crime and to restoring public trust in state institutions.