Montenegro
Montenegro amends its Constitution: integrity checks for prime minister-designate and ministers before appointment
The amendments passed with 56 votes on Monday evening; the DPS did not take part in the vote. The step is seen as key for Chapter 23 with the EU.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 20, 2026, 12:30 · Updated 12:21 · 2 min read
In brief
- Parliament approved that candidates for prime minister and minister undergo integrity checks.
- The law setting out the details will require a two-thirds majority, under an amendment to Article 91.
- Montenegro has provisionally closed 21 of 33 chapters and aims to close all of them by the end of the year.
Montenegro's Parliament late on Monday, Oct. 19, approved constitutional amendments that introduce integrity checks for candidates for prime minister and members of the government before they are nominated. According to regional media citing RTCG, 56 lawmakers voted in favor, from the ruling majority, part of the opposition, minority parties and independents.
Under the adopted text, a person who does not meet the integrity requirements set by law cannot be nominated as prime minister-designate or minister. The stated aim is to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption during government formation.
A last-minute compromise
After a recess of several hours, agreement was reached on an amendment to Article 91, proposed by independent lawmakers, the Social Democrats and URA. It requires a two-thirds majority of all lawmakers for laws on the electoral system, foreigners' property rights and the integrity of candidates for government. Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica said the rules target officials who do business with the state: business owners can become ministers, but they must choose between public office and those relationships.
The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), the largest opposition force, and the pro-Serbian Democratic People's Party did not take part in the vote. The DPS said the issue should have been regulated by ordinary law, with checks before elections and clear criteria, warning that verification after the vote could undermine the will of voters.
The amendments are considered important for Chapter 23 obligations in the EU accession talks. After the Oct. 12 intergovernmental conference, Montenegro has provisionally closed 21 of 33 chapters. EU Ambassador Johann Sattler welcomed the vote as fulfilling one of the last tasks of the negotiations.
