Questions of the journalist of the daily newspapers “Vijesti” regarding the request of the new Prime Minister, Milo Djukanovic, for resignation of all deputy ministers, directors of administrations, authorities, public companies and institutions before the election of the new Government.
Do you think that this “recommendation” (which apparently must be obeyed) was established in the law?
In which kind of situation it puts the staff?
Can this method lead to professionalization of civil servants?
Answers of Mr Stevo Muk, the president of the Managing Board of the Institute Alternative:
“Signing the undated resignations is not internationally identified mechanism of a good practice. This mechanism is also in collision with the principles of domestic legal framework regulating the status of civil servants.
The request of the new Prime Minister is more about the demonstration of force with the highest levels of political authority in relation to the first level of a professional bureaucracy. On the other hand, this shows that the Prime Minister doesn’t recognize so far European achievements of the current Government as an example of good practice.
When I say this, I think that even without these requirements, it is expected from all officials unwanted as a part of Djukanovics team, to resign after the election of a new Government. It is unlikely to expect, for example, from ministers to have for their first associates individuals they don’t have confidence in.
Also, it is known that the vast majority of these officials is employed in accordance with the criteria of the party, and not in accordance with the result of the actual competition in which the best professionals win.
The mechanism of “filed” resignations contributes to uncertainty, instability and deterioration of professional integrity and introduces a culture that is not inherent in earlier established good practice.
I expect that most of the persons covered by this call will find again a place in the Government and Governments agencies and companies.
The question is how this situation will affect the participation of deputy ministers and other Government officials in the negotiation process. It is known that several deputy ministers headed the negotiating groups.
If someone is willing to sign an undated resignation, I assume that these individuals will be ready to eventually continue working in a fear that his/hers resignation can be activated at any time and thereby their integrity questioned.
It would be interesting to see what would have happened otherwise, though probably none of the invitees will not opt for a more difficult path, or refuse to give resign. “
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