Koprivica: Introducing Mandatory Integrity Checks Before Taking Office Through Constitutional Changes

The government today unanimously approved a proposal to amend the Constitution, which stipulates mandatory prior integrity checks for candidates for the mandate holder and government members. It is prescribed that if a candidate does not meet the legally prescribed integrity conditions and fails the integrity check, they cannot be a mandate holder or proposed as a government member. This measure aims to recognize and prevent risks before they escalate into conflicts of interest and corrupt behavior. It seeks to strengthen accountability standards, protect the public interest, and boost citizens' trust in the political system. Additionally, a constitutional solution to abolish immunity for government members for crimes involving corruption elements will be presented to parliament soon, completing the anti-corruption framework in the highest legal act, sending a strong message about the rule of law, and implementing recommendations from GRECO and the Venice Commission to strengthen the legal system and advance European integration. At the end of last month, the most modern, strict, and comprehensive anti-corruption laws were adopted, introducing mechanisms for comparing reported income and assets of public officials, verifying the basis of income and assets, and imposing strict sanctions, including bans on holding public office. With the proposed constitutional changes, Montenegro will have one of the strongest anti-corruption frameworks in Europe.