PES: Government to review the controversial decision of Abazović's government to grant honorary citizenship to Ramaj

The Europe Now Movement (PES) announced today that the Government of Montenegro should reconsider the "controversial decision" to grant honorary citizenship to Kosovo businessman Naser Ramaj.

The PES, headed by the Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić, said that Ramaj was granted honorary citizenship by the government headed by the leader of the Civic Movement URA, Dritan Abazović.

"In light of the confirmation of the indictment against Naser Ramaj, a Kosovo businessman who was granted honorary citizenship by the Abazović government, PES expresses the view that the government should reconsider this controversial decision. Namely, against Naser Ramaj, who was granted citizenship during the term of the Dritan Abazović government, the Basic Court in Kotor confirmed the indictment for the criminal offense of tax and contribution evasion in the total amount of 2.235.000 euros. Due to the damage to the reputation of the institution granting Montenegrin citizenship, as well as the need to preserve the integrity and trust of citizens in state decisions, we believe that it is necessary to urgently review all the circumstances under which Ramaj was granted citizenship," the PES statement states.

The party added that they are calling on "the competent institutions, in accordance with the law, to investigate any possible shortcomings in the procedure, and in the event of confirmation of irregularities, to take all necessary steps to prevent further compromise of the interests of the state of Montenegro by the decisions of the Abazović Government."

The Basic Court in Kotor confirmed the indictment for tax evasion of over two million euros against the company "Alart Centar Budva - CG" and the responsible persons in that company, Naser Ramaj and Valentina Grubović, the Basic State Prosecutor's Office (ODT) in Kotor announced on April 25th.

Ulcinj police arrested Ramaj, a businessman from Kosovo, in August last year. Criminal charges were filed against him at the time on suspicion of tax evasion, thereby causing damage to the state of over two million euros.

After his arrest, Ramaj was prohibited from leaving his apartment and his passport was temporarily confiscated.

He was then ordered to undergo these surveillance measures by the investigative judge of the Basic Court in Kotor, Špiro Pavicevic.

Ramaj previously described himself as "in love with Montenegro".