Montenegro has a serious problem with organized crime. Undoubtedly, organized criminal groups use widespread corruption in the public sector, and breaking those links is the main task of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said Minister of Internal Affairs Sergej Sekulović.
"If we don't do that, Montenegrin society will be enslaved, regardless of who will be in power," Sekulović told the Brussels portal "Euroactiv".
He said that he has a very difficult job in the fight against crime.
"I believe that the solution lies in teamwork, in the strong coordination of state authorities, which will consist of professionals, people with integrity, who will trust the services of Western partners. Otherwise, we will not be able to solve the problems. With coordination from the inside, reliable partners from the outside, political the will to break the link between corruption and organized crime, Montenegro has a chance," claims Sekulović, as reported by the RTCG portal.
When asked what about foreign mafias, such as the Russian mafia, Sekulović said that according to operational data, they are not the primary problem.
"The problem is our mafia, but I would like to add that our mafia, which is our main concern, is part of a large transnational mafia," Sekulović appreciates.
As he points out, the current elite has not yet come to terms with the fact that it is no longer the ruling majority. The minister says that there is no going back to the old state management system.
"30 years is a very long period of time. Many people have merged with the state. They even think that the country cannot exist without them. And they think that it is only a matter of time when they will return. That is a wrong assumption. Montenegro is facing a new dynamic . It does not necessarily have to be positive, but it is open. Therefore, there is no going back to the old, and new ways should show the ability of Montenegrin society to build professional and strong institutions, to adopt a culture of political dialogue and create an inclusive society in which no one will feel discriminated against," Sekulović said.
Bonus video:
