Montenegrin minister resigns after publishing corrupt relatives

This is the first time a corruption issue leads to a ministry's resignation in this small Balkan country.

“No one has suggested giving up, this is a reflection of my personal thoughts on the issue, ethics should exist on the job and in the state administration”, the minister said at a press conference.

The video, published yesterday night by TV Vijesti, shows two officials discussing a bribe to allow a businessman to continue his work, to continue building a building in Budva's tourist area, despite a permit he had passed.

The minister, who came to the government in 2016, explained to the media that a disciplinary procedure had been taken against two pre-publishing inspectors.

Montenegro, which is negotiating for membership in the European Union, has the fight against corruption and organised crime as a priority. / A T S/