Bečić: Appointment of new Chief of the General Staff will launch long-awaited vetting process in the defence sector

In addition to the determined fight against organized crime and systemic corruption, one of the most important and sensitive tasks of this government is the comprehensive vetting process—a thorough assessment of integrity and loyalty to state institutions—across four key pillars of national security: the Police Directorate, the National Security Agency, the Armed Forces of Montenegro, and the judiciary.

The strength of a state lies in the level of integrity of those upon whom it rests. That is why anyone who carries a weapon, leads an investigation, delivers a verdict, or handles classified information must possess unquestionable morality, stability, courage, and unwavering commitment to the state and its institutions.

I believe that with the appointment of the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, we will finally open the long-anticipated vetting process in the defence sector—a process that was not even feasible without a newly appointed Chief. That process can no longer be postponed. The military must belong to the state—not to lobbies, not to divisions, and not to the inertia of the former system.

Increased defence spending, as clearly recommended by our key international partners, is not merely a matter of budget expansion, but an investment in the reliability, interoperability, and honor of those who guard our borders and ensure peace.

But let me make this perfectly clear: without vetting and clean institutions, there is no sovereignty.

Therefore, as Deputy Prime Minister, I call on all ministers from the Democratic Montenegro party to carry out, in their respective ministries, without exception and without delay, a detailed vetting process for every individual with access to power, sensitive information, and state responsibility.

Those who are capable of doing this will have our full support. Those who are unwilling or unable—we will thank them for their service to date.

Because Montenegro does not need anyone who cannot look the system in the eye.

It is time for everyone who wishes to serve to be thoroughly vetted.

And for all those who seek to hide—to be uncovered.