Economic and financial analyst Srđan Pupovac believes that the budget faced a loss of approximately 27,000 euros in interest due to the unlawful dismissal of school directors during former Minister of Education Vesna Bratić’s tenure.

This case marks the first lawsuit filed against Bratić, involving around 30 former school principals. The dismissals are part of the initial lawsuit lodged by the Protector of Property and Legal Interests, as confirmed by “Vijesti”.

The editorial team was informed that, as per the Law on Obligations, claims must be submitted within six months after the damage occurred, hence further lawsuits against the former official are anticipated soon.

During the hearing on Friday at the Podgorica Basic Court, state representative Aleksandar Veljović and Vesna Bratić’s attorney, Aleksandar Rmuš, raised concerns regarding the expert’s findings submitted to the court on June 12.

Veljović mentioned that the findings were ambiguous, particularly concerning the adjudicated amount of 513.66 euros. He requested Pupovac’s attendance at the next hearing for clarification on the findings.

A similar point was made by attorney Rmuš, who argued that the defendant could not have influenced the calculated amounts, asserting they did not stem from her intent or gross negligence.

“It is evident, considering the bases established in the expert’s findings and opinion, that the defendant had no influence over the litigation costs incurred through her actions or inactions. The amounts resulted from procedural actions taken by the litigants, and the Protector did not appeal decisions related to court costs, clearly reflected in the case files,” Rmuš stated.

The court considered the objections from both sides and decided to postpone the hearing, with a summons for Pupovac to attend the next session to clarify the findings submitted.

In April, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation indicated that they had provided documentation to the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) regarding the illegal dismissals of school directors in 2021 and stated that over 400,000 euros had been paid out on this basis, as noted by the minister, Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović.

She reported that by that time, 139 disputes had been resolved with final judgments issued, declaring the Ministry’s 2021 decisions illegal.

“As for lawsuits seeking compensation for material damages, 38 cases have concluded with final judgments totaling 392,312.33 euros. In 2023, 119,325 euros were disbursed, followed by 222,043 euros in 2024, and 50,943.02 euros this year. Moreover, 106,000 euros were paid from the budget due to the unlawful dismissal of Ethics Committee members. The Protector of Property and Legal Interests of Montenegro records all transactions representing the Ministry,” Jakšić-Stojanović added.

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