The 14th session of Montenegro’s Anti-Corruption Committee focused on reviewing the anti-corruption aspects of a proposed agreement on tourism and real estate development between the Montenegrin government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Notably, no representatives from the ruling majority attended the session, although civil society groups were present.
Vanja Ćalović Marković, a leading anti-corruption activist, criticized the government for avoiding public scrutiny and attempting to push the deal through without a proper debate. She argued that the ruling coalition, which once promised to fight corruption, has instead preserved the existing system rather than reforming it.
Ćalović Marković highlighted that no lawmakers expressed support for the agreement based on its merits—only citing political strategy as their reasoning. She also pointed out that the UAE is on the EU’s grey list and warned of potential money laundering risks.
She reiterated concerns from MANS (a watchdog NGO) about the infiltration of organized crime into government structures, warning that criminal influence could undermine democratic governance, regardless of which party holds power.
