The Agency for Prevention of Corruption informs the public that the Ministry of Health, based on a proposal from the Institute of Public Health, has adopted an Order on the the termination of the validity of the Order declaring the COVID-19 infectious disease epidemic of greater epidemiological significance ("Official Gazette of Montenegro," No. 007/25 of January 31, 2025).

As a result, the circumstances that allowed an exemption from the ban on granting social benefits from the current budget reserve in a year when local or parliamentary elections are held cease to exist. In accordance with Article 40, Paragraph 3 of the Law on Financing of Political Entities and Election Campaigns, the allocation of social benefits from the budget reserve is now once again prohibited by law.

We remind the public that, in addition to elections in Nikšić and Herceg Novi, local elections are also scheduled to take place this year in Cetinje, Mojkovac, and Petnjica. The Agency will conduct enhanced oversight of the use of budget funds and take measures within its competence in case of violations of this prohibition. We encourage all citizens and the media to report any irregularities so that we can jointly ensure the legality and transparency of the electoral process.