The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) and the Police Directorate (PD) have made a strong move away from bad practices and made an important contribution to Montenegro's European path, announced the Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić this evening.
The Radio and Television of Montenegro portal reports that a ceremony is being held tonight in front of the Ministry of Interior building on the occasion of the Day of Internal Affairs in Montenegro, and that Spajić and Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić addressed the attendees.
Spajić said that Montenegro has lagged behind the most developed European countries for decades because the law was often weaker than particular interests, and the institutions were much quieter than those who should be supervising.
"That is exactly what we decided to change and the reason why this day is much more than a protocol date on the calendar for me," Spajić said, according to the RTCG portal.
He pointed out that the rule of law, as a fundamental value of the European Union (EU), has been one of the Government's priorities since day one.
"It is a prerequisite for achieving our other key goals, a better standard of living for all citizens and the full integration of Montenegro into the EU," said Spajić.
As he said, members of the Ministry of the Interior and the Police Administration have done a lot to be a guarantee and full support on the path to the EU.
"You are performing a demanding job. All the eyes of the citizens are on you, which makes your responsibility very great. Therefore, you must use this as an additional reason to perform every work task with high professionalism, pride, enthusiasm and determination," Spajić said.
He added that the Ministry of Interior and the Police Department have made a strong turnaround.
"You have moved away from bad practices and made commendable strides. We recognize that and thank you," Spajić concluded.
Bečić said that he does not accept claims that the police are "purging themselves of police officers".
"We do not accept the lie that we are cleansing the police of police officers. We are cleansing the police of dishonorable influences. We are returning the badge to honorable people, we are returning the police to police officers," Bečić said, according to the RTCG portal.
He added that the authorities were asked who would work after the removal of compromised personnel.
"Here's the answer: they will work more honestly and they will work better," said Bečić.
He stressed that no "dirty" police officer would be allowed to hide behind thousands of honorable people in uniform.
"That's why we lined up our own ranks first," Bečić said.
According to him, around 200 officials in the security and defense sector have been suspended, while around 400 disciplinary proceedings have been initiated for serious violations of official duty.
"Several dozen officials have been deprived of their liberty or their employment has ended," Bečić said.
He said that this is "the Montenegrin police, not the personnel base of criminal clans."
The holiday is dedicated to members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police Directorate.
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