Ivanišević Lacks Government Approval for DRI Contract
The responsible Property Administration, not the Government: Miroslav Ivanišević, Photo: BORIS PEJOVIC
The State Audit Institution (SAI) has sought the consent of the Government Commission to terminate the employment of the former President of the Senate of the SAI. Miroslav Ivanišević was engaged under a service contract aimed at “adapting business premises for the needs of the DRI in the Atlas Capital Center,” but the executive authorities did not grant approval, as reported by “Vijesti.”
The Government Commission for the Analysis and Monitoring of Service Contracts declined this request, citing that the adaptation of the premises falls under the jurisdiction of the Property Administration.
The DRI confirmed to “Vijesti” that the former president of the DRI Senate was not involved in the adaptation of their business premises, but they did acknowledge they sought consent for that engagement.
“Regarding the executed contract, the SAI contacted the Commission for the Analysis and Monitoring of Contracts for Work and Contracts for Temporary and Occasional Work within State Budget Spending Units, established by the Government of Montenegro, seeking approval for its conclusion. The notification sent via email by the Commission stated: ‘the job description of the specific contract aligns with the responsibility of the State Property Administration, as confirmed through direct communication with the competent authorities,'” the SAI stated in response to “Vijesti’s” inquiries about hiring Ivanišević.
Ivanišević held the position of Minister of Finance of Montenegro from 1998 to 2004 and served as Deputy Prime Minister for part of that timeframe. He then became the President of the Senate of the State Audit Office from 2006 to 2013, resigning following the release of explicit video content. Post-resignation, he worked at the State Audit Office as an advisor until his retirement and also served on the board of directors of Montenegro Bonus.
The Government Commission for Analysis and Monitoring of Contracts has also halted the engagement of former DRI senator Nikola Kovacevic, who retired at the end of March this year, under a service contract. This contract, to be formalized in accordance with Article 46 of the Law on the State Audit Office (SAI), was intended for Kovačević to provide specialized assistance in auditing the final accounts of Montenegro’s budget for 2024, covering the period from April 1 until October 15, 2025, at the latest.
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