DPS proposes amendments to the Law on State Awards: No recognition for those who do not respect Montenegro

Members of Parliament from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) have announced an initiative to amend the Law on the Awarding of State Honors, proposing the introduction of two new articles: that state awards may not be granted to individuals or groups who do not show respect for Montenegro, and that awards already granted may be revoked from those who have been criminally convicted.

This was announced at a press conference by MP Zoja Bojanić Lalović.

- The first amendment refers to a ban on awarding honors to those who do not respect Montenegro, while the second provides for the possibility of revoking awards from persons who have been criminally convicted - Bojanić Lalović emphasized.

According to her, the initiative was launched because the DPS believes that state awards must reflect the values promoted by the state.

- This is the beginning of an effort to demonstrate, through legislative solutions, how important it is to preserve the dignity of the state - she said.

At the conference, it was also announced that the DPS has begun drafting a Law on the Prohibition of Fascist Symbols, as part of broader efforts to clearly and normatively protect anti-fascist values in Montenegro.

DPS MPs also referred to the case involving the State Archives of Montenegro, stating that they had officially contacted the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro regarding information about a priest volunteering at that institution.

- We requested that answers be provided regarding this case, but to date we have received no response either from the Ministry of Culture and Media or from the State Archives - it was stated at the press conference.

The DPS said it will insist on transparency and accountability of institutions, as well as on legislative solutions that affirm respect for the state and its fundamental values.