A recent survey commissioned by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro reveals that nearly two-thirds of Montenegrin citizens, 61 percent, view the State Prosecutor’s Office as an independent and impartial entity.

Conducted by De Facto from October 15 to November 11 last year, the survey included a sample of 1,005 adult citizens.

According to the OSCE Mission, the findings indicate a growing trend in positive public perception of the State Prosecutor’s Office, while also highlighting potential issues and avenues for enhancement.

The data shows that 42 percent of respondents hold a very positive or somewhat positive view of the State Prosecutor’s Office, marking a 9.5 percent increase from 2023.

“Just over half of those surveyed, 51 percent, believe that the State Prosecutor’s Office is very or somewhat efficient, and 53 percent feel that it effectively combats corruption, which signifies an almost 12 percent rise from the previous year,” the report stated.

The OSCE Mission emphasized that citizens largely perceive corruption and organized crime as significant challenges, while concerns about political influence and corruption underline the necessity for continued reforms to bolster public trust.

The data further demonstrates a rising belief among citizens in the transparency of the State Prosecutor’s Office.

The Mission reported that 55 percent of participants view the prosecution’s work as very or somewhat transparent, reflecting an increase of 14.9 percentage points compared to last year.

“Almost two-thirds of citizens express confidence in the Supreme and Special State Prosecutor’s Offices, with 64.1 percent and 64.8 percent, respectively, while the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office also enjoys a high confidence level at 60 percent,” the statement added.

Moreover, 57 percent of respondents trust the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica, and the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Bijelo Polje has seen a 5 percent increase in trust since the last survey.

Slaven Živković from the De Facto agency noted that the research data highlights significant shifts in public perception regarding the State Prosecutor’s Office.

“The fact that 61 percent of citizens see the State Prosecutor’s Office as independent and impartial—a 12 percent increase from 2023—indicates that the public is acknowledging its contribution to the rule of law,” Živković remarked.

Jan Haukaas, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, commented that enhancing transparency and improving communication with the public could help build greater trust in institutions and the rule of law.

“We are pleased to support this annual survey and are ready to continue assisting in this and other areas crucial for the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office,” stated Haukaas.

Deputy State Prosecutor Milorad Marković remarked that the increase in trust across all levels of prosecutors’ offices—ranging from 5 to nearly 15 percent—along with the recognition of the State Prosecutor’s Office as increasingly impartial and independent, demonstrates the beneficial impacts of prosecutorial reform.

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