Public Administration in Montenegro is still cumbersome, highly politicized and it lacks administrative capacities. Hence, public confidence in its work is steadily declining. Based on the data of public opinion conducted by the Institute alternative in collaboration with Ipsos Strategic Marketing for the purpose of analysis “Public administration reform in Montenegro – between the ambitious plans and real opportunities”, almost 2/3 of respondents considered that the institutions of public administration are managed by the political influence. More than a half of the respondents believe that the management is colored by more particulate than public interest. In the opinion of the citizens of Montenegro, lack of financial resources for the implementation of programs and activities of the state, corruption and poor organization are the three most important factors that hamper efficient functioning of the public administration.
According to the 2012 European Commission’s Progress Report, Montenegro has achieved some results in the further implementation of public administration and its de-politicization, but it is necessary to finalize a comprehensive plan for its reorganization, renew and strengthen the implementation of the legislation, which raise a series of questions. Improved legal framework is insufficient in practice, while the implementation of new solutions to employment, training and promotion is just about to start. Although the new Law on Civil Servants introduces significant improvements compared to the previous legal framework, it still leaves exceptional discretionary decision of the head of the selection of candidates for employment. This solution can prove as an obstacle in eliminating politicization. Finally, the legal framework for the functioning and reform of the public administration system will be completed only after the laws on Government and agencies are adopted.
Efforts to reform the public administration need to be strengthened and intensified. Clearly, the political positioning and operational coordination of reform; precise guidelines and deadlines for reporting on the implementation of Public Administration Reform Strategy and Action Plan for its implementation; improved plan for the reorganization and its consistent application, as well as the adoption of a strategy to attract and retain the best staff, are some of the necessary steps to be taken if the Montenegrin public administration is to become modern and functional.
Jovana Marovic
Research Coordinator
