Jelić: Čarapić, you don't have a problem with me, but with the legally valid regulations.

The Chairman of the Senate of the State Audit Institution (DRI), Zoran Jelić, told the head of the parliamentary group of the Europe Now Movement (PES), Vasilije Čarapić, that he (Čarapić) did not have a problem with him (Jelić), but with legally valid regulations, primarily with the Law on Civil Servants and Employees, as well as with the competent institutions, primarily with the Constitutional Court and the then competent Ministry of Economic Development.

Jelić reacted to Čarapić's statement yesterday that Jelić's mandate had ended by force of law back in May last year, which is confirmed by official data from the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO).

"Mr. Čarapić, you do not have a problem with Zoran Jelić, but, unfortunately, you have a problem with legally valid regulations, primarily with the Law on Civil Servants and Employees, as well as with the competent institutions, primarily with the Constitutional Court and the then competent Ministry of Economic Development," Jelić pointed out in a statement.

He added that the Constitutional Court precisely ruled on this issue, which Čarapić emphasizes, in its Decision (Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 099/23 of 3.11.2023 November XNUMX).

"Also, the Ministry of Economic Development, Directorate for Labor and Employment, in accordance with its competences, submitted Opinion No. 106-082/21-4822/2 dated December 24.12, 2021, at the request of the State Audit Office, which clearly specifies the position that the provisions (Article 3, paragraph 3) of the Law on Civil Servants and State Employees apply to the State Audit Office. Also questionable is your correspondence with the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund, which nowhere mentions "termination of employment by force of law" as you emphasize, and the issue of misuse of my personal data is open," said Jelić.

He said that it is unacceptable for Čarapić to underestimate and humiliate Montenegrin institutions, but rather that it is his obligation as a member of parliament to strengthen them and prepare them for entry into the EU.

"The latest in a series, your humiliation of institutions, resulted in a reaction and a warning from the European and Venice Commissions. With your superficial legal interpretation, without basis, you have additionally contributed to slowing down Montenegro's European path. You are making a mistake again and are not respecting the institutions of the system," he added.

Regarding retirement, Jelić emphasized that it makes no difference to him whether it happens in a month, three months, or eight months.

"In any case, I will act fully in accordance with the law. Of course, if you decide to demonstrate force again and disrespect the institutions of the system, it will not be my problem, but yours and the state institutions that would have to react to it. However, such an approach would mean a new violation of the rule of law in Montenegro and would further undermine the reputation and authority of state institutions," Jelić stated.

According to him, what is important and what remains is that he is proud to be part of the State Audit Institution and that over the past 9 years, in cooperation with all employees of the Institution, he has contributed to making the SAI the best rated institution in Montenegro by relevant domestic and international organizations.

"Through its activities, the SAI has contributed to the maximum extent possible to accelerating the path of Montenegro's integration into the EU, and has also contributed to the efficient control of the spending of money by all citizens of Montenegro, which it will continue to do in the future," concluded Jelić.