Office of the President of Montenegro: We expect concrete legal steps to protect Kruševac Palace and state property

The response received from the State Protector of Property and Legal Interests does not clarify whether a legal analysis has been conducted of the amendments to the Law on the Status of the Descendants of the Petrović-Njegoš Dynasty, whether the Protector considers the amendments to be inconsistent with the Constitution or other laws, what legal options are being considered, or whether and when a decision will be made on initiating proceedings before the Constitutional Court - The Office of the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović stated.

According to the statement, the Office of the President submitted both an initiative and a follow-up request urging the State Protector of Property and Legal Interests to take urgent measures to safeguard state property in light of the amendments to the Law on the Status of the Descendants of the Petrović-Njegoš Dynasty. However, it says that no answers were provided regarding the measures already taken, planned legal action, or the timeline for any action.

The Office explained that it had requested the Protector, within the scope of its statutory mandate, to „timely prepare all necessary legal mechanisms for an urgent response and the protection of the property and property interests of the State of Montenegro“.

According to the President’s Office, the Protector replied: „Given that the matter in question does not fall within the scope of responsibilities prescribed by Article 53 of the Law on State Property, and that the Protector was not requested to provide an opinion on the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Status of the Descendants of the Petrović-Njegoš Dynasty, the Protector is therefore not in a position to undertake any measures in this case other than those expressly prescribed by law“.

The response further states that: „Should the Protector conclude that the amendments are inconsistent with the Constitution, ratified and published international treaties, or other regulations, he will submit a motion for a constitutional review of the law’s compatibility with the Constitution and ratified and published international treaties, as well as of other regulations and general acts with the Constitution and the law“.

- The Office of the President did not request the Protector to act outside the scope of his legal powers. We requested the preparation of all available legal mechanisms and clear information on the measures already taken or planned within those powers - the statement said.

The Office emphasized that Kruševac Palace, together with its surrounding land and park, constitutes state property, cultural heritage, and a public space belonging to all citizens of Montenegro. As such, the issue requires full institutional attention, legal certainty, and timely action.

- We expect the State Protector of Property and Legal Interests to provide a clear legal assessment, a concrete explanation of the available legal protection mechanisms, and a decision on the next steps. The Office of the President of Montenegro will continue to use all available institutional means to protect state property, cultural heritage, and the public interest - the statement concludes.