Official data from the government’s website reveals that the activities of Deputy Prime Ministers Budimir Aleksić (New Serbian Democracy – NSD) and Milun Zogović (Democratic People’s Party – DNP) are largely limited to protocol, which is disproportionate to their use of official vehicles provided by the General Secretariat of the Government of Montenegro. These vehicles include two Mercedes E280 models (PGCG-298 for Aleksić and PGCG-302 for Zogović), as highlighted by the Center for Civic Education (CCE) today.

“Specifically, both Aleksić and Zogović have traveled up to 5,000 km monthly in these official vehicles. For instance, in January 2025, Aleksić had only one scheduled meeting in Podgorica—a working visit to Matica Srpska—yet traveled extensively. The available travel orders reveal multiple irregularities, including inaccuracies, incomplete entries, and suspicions of subsequent alterations, along with indications that official vehicles were used during holidays and for personal reasons,” the CCE statement elaborates.

The non-governmental organization (NGO) noted that one of their initial proposals from 2016 advocated for a compact and functional government structure featuring just one vice president.

“The current draft of the Law on the Government allows for up to four vice presidents. However, we currently have one of the largest governments in Europe, comprising 32 members and seven vice presidents, some of whom have overlapping duties. Altogether, these vice presidents could have over 30 advisors, not to mention administrative and technical staff, enjoying numerous privileges. Through a series of concise reviews, CCE offers insights into the government’s structure and the activities of its members according to available data,” reads a statement from CCE signed by program associate Nikola Mirković.

CCE previously reviewed the engagements of Milutin Butorović, Minister without Portfolio from the Europe Now Movement (PES).

“Following the restructuring of the 44th Government on July 23, 2024, the parties within the For the Future of Montenegro (ZBCG) coalition, namely New Serbian Democracy (Nova) and the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), officially joined the executive branch at a high level, appointing several ministers and vice presidents. Budimir Aleksić from Nova was selected as Vice President for Education, Science, and Relations with Religious Communities, while Milun Zogović from DNP assumed the role of Vice President for Infrastructure and Regional Development. Their initial activities included official visits to Belgrade and meetings with Serbian officials. Aleksić met with the Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković, while Zogović, alongside his colleague Minister Maja Vukićević, engaged with the President of the Serbian Parliament, Ana Brnabić,” the CCE statement elaborates.

The NGO also mentioned that a significant portion of Aleksić’s subsequent activities consisted of protocol engagements. These included meetings with the ambassadors of Great Britain, the EU Delegation, multiple discussions with the charge d’affaires of China, representatives of the Jewish community, and civic activist Aleksandar Saša Zeković.

“He also received a delegation from the Serbian National Council of Montenegro (SNS CG), met with representatives from the Organizing Committee of the ‘Prosvijetitelj’ award, and conducted a working visit to Matica Srpska in Montenegro. Moreover, he held discussions with the University of Montenegro (UCG) and Maksim Vučinić, president of OD COTEE (Montenegrin Electricity Market Operator), aimed at enhancing collaboration between UCG and the economy, as noted on the official website. Over more than nine months, government records indicate that Aleksić participated in 13 meetings with slightly over 10 distinct interlocutors. His upcoming trip to the People’s Republic of China from May 21 to 27 marks his first official trip following Belgrade,” the CCE pointed out.

They further stated that Aleksić receives professional support from four advisors: Zoran Dubljević, Dragan Vukić, Miljan Stanišić, and Sanja Jokić.

“Their biographies, along with Aleksić’s, are not readily accessible on the Deputy Prime Minister’s website. A search indicates that Dubljević has a degree in English, Stanišić in sociology, while Vukić and Jokić have degrees in law and are long-standing SNP officials. Furthermore, the platform for Aleksić’s visit to China mentions MA Aleksandar Ćuković as an advisor, who is not listed among his permanent advisory team. Additionally, Aleksić has administrative and technical staff at his service,” the CCE statement notes.

On the other hand, Zogović’s official activities, as per the website, total 16, excluding congratulatory messages for municipal holidays, New Year, Easter, condolences for the tragic events in Novi Sad, and other public condolences related to recent tragedies.

“He has held meetings with the British Ambassador, the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, and others, in addition to engagements with representatives from the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, and had working visits to Žabljak with Minister Simonida Kordić. He has also opened the European Chess Championship in Petrovac, spoke at the ‘Belt and Road’ conference in Podgorica, and chaired the sessions of the Coordination Body for Harmonization and Monitoring of Inspection Supervision,” CCE noted.

They also highlighted that Zogović’s advisory team consists of Milena Đurović and the experienced political figure Predrag Bulatović. Their biographies, like Zogović’s, aren’t listed on the official site, but searches reveal that Đurović graduated as a political scientist, and Zogović also has access to further technical and administrative assistance.

“Politically, the DNP actively promotes Zogović’s work and media appearances, whereas only a portion of Aleksić’s official activities have been shared on Nova’s social media platforms,” read the CCE statement.

Salary reports indicate that Aleksić earned 2,055.70 euros in April while Zogović received 1,805.31 euros, along with additional benefits.

“Although the roles of vice presidents are meant to be significant in guiding departments and coordinating government policies, the evidence suggests that Budimir Aleksić and Milutin Zogović are engaged in a predominantly formalistic and protocol-focused manner. This raises the urgent need to reassess the government’s cumbersome structure while advocating for transparency, accountability, and results rather than merely privileges,” concluded the CCE.

News