Yesterday, a non-governmental activist, Bojana Jokić, expressed concern over the Government’s plan to modify the Capital Market Law to restrict the dissemination of information, data, and evaluations pertaining to government securities, arguing that it violates fundamental human rights as outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

According to “Vijesti,” the Government has introduced two additional articles to the proposed amendments, which would make it illegal to share information regarding government debt. This prohibition would effectively impose fines of up to 40,000 euros for any reports or analyses related to government borrowing, whether produced by journalists or economists.

“Article 10 of the Convention guarantees the right to freedom of expression, which encompasses the freedom to hold opinions and share information without interference from state authorities. Restrictions are only permissible when necessary for protecting national security, public order, or health. However, this ban on financial information does not satisfy those criteria and fails to serve the public interest; rather, it is essential for citizens to be informed. What the Montenegrin governments seem to overlook is that this money belongs to the people, as does the responsibility to repay the debt, rather than to politicians,” stated Jokić.

Furthermore, she noted that Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms everyone’s right to express opinions and freely access information through any medium, without state interference.

“While the public’s right to know isn’t explicitly declared as an independent right, the aforementioned articles clearly guarantee individuals, media, and organizations the right to access and share significant information. Matters concerning citizens’ indebtedness and the financial obligations of future generations fall squarely within this domain. Introducing such laws without public oversight and international standards is an attempt to create institutionalized censorship and eliminate democratic scrutiny over public finances. If enacted, this would be an infringement on freedom of expression and the public’s right to truthful information,” Jokić added.

Member of the Civic Movement URA, Milos Konatar, criticized the Government’s intentions under Milojko Spajić, warning that they risk introducing censorship and dictatorial control. He pointed out that as recently as March 2024 Montenegro was indebted by 680 million euros, and again in March 2025 the government imposed another debt of 850 million euros, amounting to two billion with interest.

“Now they wish to silence such matters. This behavior by Spajić’s government isn’t trivial; it poses a real danger to the future of Montenegro by fostering censorship and concealing essential information. This directly concerns the resources of every citizen and the debts that we and future generations will have to bear. Consequently, this detrimental proposal will not receive support from URA representatives, and we believe others with good intentions for Montenegro will also oppose it,” remarked Konatar.

The government seeks the authority to remain silent

Economic analyst Miloš Vuković expressed outrage on social media, stating that “this is something you wouldn’t even find in North Korea.”

“Hear this: if you were planning to discuss Montenegro’s debt, bonds, interest rates, or any deficits, your choices are limited: either remain silent or face fines of up to 40,000 euros. The government has pinpointed the real issue: journalists, bloggers, and social media users. The problem isn’t the billions owed, interest rates, or clandestine deals,” Vuković declared.

He asserted that the Government seeks the prerogative of enforced silence.

“Silence about debts. Silence about interest. Silence about our future. In Montenegro 2025, debt isn’t news; it’s a state secret,” Vuković concluded.

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