The Parliament of Montenegro has faced criticism after passing 25 laws in a mere 87 minutes, raising concerns about the legislative process and democratic principles. According to Milena Gvozdenović, Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Democratic Transition, this rapid approval of laws, which collectively amount to 4,457 pages of documentation, signifies a troubling trend in the degradation of parliamentary duties.
Gvozdenović highlighted that the decision to forgo detailed discussions on these laws further complicates the issue of whether parliamentarians have genuinely read the legislation they are voting on. During the first session of the extraordinary meeting, 20 laws were adopted in just 1 hour and 11 minutes, following brief presentations by the Minister for European Affairs and three opposition MPs. The second session lasted just 16 minutes, enough time to pass an additional five laws.
This legislative sprint has ignited a debate within the Parliament itself regarding the seriousness of the decision-making process. Gvozdenović noted that despite the Minister’s assertion that these laws are critical for European integration, many lawmakers did not deem them important enough to warrant thorough parliamentary debate. Among the laws passed without significant discussion were the Law on Medicines, comprising 360 articles, and the Consumer Protection Law, which includes 435 pages of accompanying materials.
The rapid pace of law adoption has been described by Gvozdenović as a continuation of poor legislative practices established during the passage of the so-called IBAR laws. She expressed concern that this “fast-tracking” of legislation has become the modus operandi of the current parliamentary assembly.
Gvozdenović pointed out that negative experiences with amendments to laws concerning corruption prevention, the election of representatives, and the financing of political entities have not prompted adequate caution from the government or the Parliament of Montenegro. The lack of timely preparation and transparent, inclusive processes in drafting laws stands in stark contrast to the principles expected in democratic societies.
While some parliamentarians may view their swift actions as a demonstration of efficiency in law-making, Gvozdenović emphasized that it is their duty to facilitate public discussion on legislation that directly impacts citizens’ everyday lives.
She stated, “For citizens, there are no unimportant laws, and European integration should not serve as an excuse for passing regulations in an average of four minutes without public discourse or consideration of expert opinions.” Such practices, she warned, ultimately harm society.
Gvozdenović concluded that if the Parliament truly aimed to align with European democratic standards, it would prioritize reading, thoroughly examining through debate, and clearly explaining the effects of laws to citizens. This approach is fundamental to responsible and democratic governance.
