Two former agriculture ministers in Montenegro, Petar Ivanovic and Milutin Simovic, were arrested on December 13, 2024, on charges of corruption. The arrests were made by the Special State Prosecutorโs Office, which alleges that the ministers misappropriated state funds by channeling them to selected non-governmental organizations, resulting in a loss of over 300,000 euros to the Montenegrin state.
Key Takeaways
- Petar Ivanovic and Milutin Simovic, former ministers of agriculture, arrested for corruption.
- Allegations include abuse of office and misallocation of state funds.
- The investigation spans from April 2014 to July 2019.
- Both ministers were part of the Democratic Party of Socialists, which ruled Montenegro for three decades until 2020.
The Special Prosecutorโs Office has indicated that the criminal complaint involves the allocation of funds to certain non-governmental organizations during their tenure. This investigation is part of a broader effort to address corruption within the government, particularly focusing on the actions of former officials from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS).
Ivanovic served as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2012 to 2016 and later as a member of parliament. He was also an economic adviser to former President Milo Djukanovic until May 2023. Simovic held the position of Minister of Agriculture and Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2020.
Both ministers are already facing trial for previous allegations related to the misuse of funds from the Abu Dhabi Fund, which provided a $50 million loan to Montenegro in 2015 to promote agricultural development. The indictment against them, confirmed in October, accuses them of facilitating the inappropriate use of these funds from 2015 to 2017.
Background of the Arrests
- Petar Ivanovic: Served as Minister of Agriculture from 2012 to 2016, then as a parliament member and economic adviser.
- Milutin Simovic: Held the position of Minister of Agriculture and Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2020.
- Both are linked to the DPS, which was in power for 30 years until 2020.
The arrests have sparked discussions about the ongoing fight against corruption in Montenegro, a country that has faced significant challenges in governance and transparency. The Special Prosecutorโs Office has emphasized its commitment to pursuing cases of financial abuse and holding former officials accountable for their actions.
Implications for Montenegro
The arrests of Ivanovic and Simovic could have far-reaching implications for Montenegroโs political landscape. As the country continues to navigate its path towards European Union integration, addressing corruption remains a critical issue. The actions taken by the Special Prosecutorโs Office may signal a shift towards greater accountability and transparency in government operations.
In conclusion, the arrest of these former ministers highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Montenegro and the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. As investigations continue, the public and political observers will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for the future of governance in Montenegro.
Turkish 
English