The Parliamentary Administrative Committee reached a unanimous decision yesterday to increase financial allocations for parliamentary caucuses, allowing for the hiring of secretaries and expert consultants, from the existing 30 euros to 140 euros monthly.

This new decision, which updates one from 2012, is set to take effect eight days after its publication in the Official Gazette.

There are currently 12 parliamentary caucuses in the Montenegrin parliament, with only the Albanian Forum caucus lacking a secretary, as noted on the highest legislative chamber’s website.

Proposing the decision, Velimir Đoković (New Serbian Democracy) explained that a total of 30 thousand euros is allocated each month among the parliamentary caucuses. This distribution includes a 10 percent equal share, with the remaining amount divided based on the number of deputies in each caucus.

“The remaining 110 thousand euros each month is allocated proportionally to the number of MPs in each club, based on a timely request submitted to the Secretary General of the Parliament of Montenegro. Funds will not be redistributed to other clubs if a request is not submitted,” he stated.

The ruling Europe Now Movement caucus, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, will receive the largest share due to its significant membership of 20 MPs. In contrast, both the Albanian Forum and the Democratic Union of Albanians and Croatian Civic Initiative have the least representation, with only two MPs each.

Djokovic noted that the amended decision mandates that clubs receiving funds must provide a semi-annual report detailing their expenditures to the Secretary General of Parliament, “including explanations of the purpose, staff structure, and achieved results.”

“These reports will be accessible on the official website of the Parliament of Montenegro to ensure complete transparency. This amendment is intended to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in budget fund usage. By requiring reporting, both MPs and the public will have insight into expenditures, fostering greater trust in parliamentary operations,” Đoković emphasized, adding that publishing these reports will facilitate “public oversight of fund utilization.”

He also pointed out that the Secretary General’s responsibilities now include “supervising the legality and purpose of expenditures.”

“This enhancement strengthens institutional control mechanisms and compliance with management standards, ensuring that funds are spent purposefully, transparently, and under supervision, all aimed at bolstering the professional and analytical capacities of the clubs,” Djokovic explained.

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