URA Political Movement Faces Scrutiny Over Financial Irregularities

A recent financial audit has revealed significant discrepancies in the financial reporting of the **Civil Movement URA** in Montenegro. The **State Audit Institution (DRI)** found that URA recorded expenses totaling **€4,620.61** without proper documentation. Additionally, the movement reported income that was nearly **€18,807.64** less than what was expected, raising concerns about transparency and compliance.

The DRI released a report on the audit of URA’s **2024 Annual Consolidated Financial Statement**, indicating that the financial records were not prepared in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. The DRI’s audit team, led by President of the Senate Vesna Mihailović and member Dr. Milan Dabović, expressed conditional opinions on URA’s financial statement and a negative opinion regarding the accuracy of its operations for the year.

In its findings, the audit highlighted various inconsistencies in URA’s adherence to financial regulations, particularly the **Law on Financing Political Entities and Election Campaigns**. The report pointed out failures to consistently apply several articles of the law, as well as discrepancies in accounting practices related to their internal regulations.

Moreover, the audit disclosed that URA had **unsettled obligations** amounting to **€33,432.30** from local elections in **Podgorica**, which remained unpaid at the time of the report’s issuance. URA also failed to maintain adequate accounting records of its income, assets, and expenses, lacking detailed information on the origin and structure of these financial elements.

As part of the corrective measures, the DRI has issued seventeen recommendations for URA to address these issues. URA is required to submit an action plan by **November 16, 2025**, detailing how it intends to implement these recommendations. A follow-up report on the execution of these recommendations must be delivered by **April 16, 2026**.

Due to the negative audit findings and identified irregularities, the final audit report concerning URA’s **2024 Annual Consolidated Financial Statement** has been forwarded to the **Committee on Political System, Justice and Administration** of the **Montenegrin Assembly**. This action was taken in accordance with a cooperation protocol between the **Anti-Corruption Agency** and the DRI.

The revelations from this audit have sparked discussions about the financial integrity of political entities in Montenegro, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in political financing.