Interviewed by: Lorik Idrizi
“Many of us see corruption embedded in everyday life—from bribery for public services to nepotism in job opportunities—but we’ve grown up in a system where it’s so normalized that it feels like there’s no alternative. The dangerous part isn’t that people don’t recognize corruption; it’s that it’s often tolerated or shrugged off as something inevitable. This resignation can lead to a lack of motivation to engage in politics or demand transparency. In fact, some may even become desensitized to corruption because it feels like it has been institutionalized across all sectors. This doesn’t mean people are blind to it—it just reflects how exhausting it can be to fight against something so entrenched.”
In an exclusive interview, Jovana Damjanoviç (investigative journalist at BIRN) talks about the causes preventing quality education in Montenegro and the Western Balkans, and the connection between corruption and the shift of societal models away from universal values.
Do you think that corruption in the Western Balkans has become a new normality to the point where young people can’t recognize it?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: Corruption in the Western Balkans, including Montenegro, has undoubtedly become pervasive, but saying that young people can’t recognize it would be an oversimplification. As a person living in Montenegro, I would argue that we are aware of corruption, but the bigger issue is the sense of powerlessness to challenge it or create meaningful change. Many of us see corruption embedded in everyday life—from bribery for public services to nepotism in job opportunities—but we’ve grown up in a system where it’s so normalized that it feels like there’s no alternative.
The dangerous part isn’t that people don’t recognize corruption; it’s that it’s often tolerated or shrugged off as something inevitable. This resignation can lead to a lack of motivation to engage in politics or demand transparency.
In fact, some may even become desensitized to corruption because it feels like it has been institutionalized across all sectors. This doesn’t mean people are blind to it—it just reflects how exhausting it can be to fight against something so entrenched.
What are the main reasons in your opinion that model has shifted the social model a lot from conventional values to a wrong social model?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ The shift from conventional values to a more problematic social model in Montenegro, and the Western Balkans more broadly, can be attributed to several factors, such as economic instability and inequality, probably being the leading one, but also corruption and clientelism, globalization and consumerism, as well as lack of strong institutions and role models.
Specifically, economic uncertainty has a significant impact on societal values. With limited job opportunities, high unemployment, and pervasive poverty, many people are forced into survival mode. This leads to prioritizing short-term gains over long-term values. Nepotism, corruption, and “cutting corners” have become normalized because people feel they have no other choice. In this environment, the pursuit of quick financial security often takes precedence over integrity, hard work, or ethical decision-making.
When people constantly see politicians and elites gaining wealth and power through questionable means, it sends the message that success isn’t about merit but about connections and manipulation. This creates a toxic cycle where citizens begin to mimic the corrupt behaviors of their leaders, further perpetuating the wrong social model.
The shift away from conventional values in Montenegro isn’t just about individuals making poor choices—it’s a reflection of a larger systemic failure. People feel disillusioned by a lack of opportunity, fairness, and trust in the institutions that should be guiding us.
Do you think that the low quality of education affects the creation of the wrong social model that is often related to corruption?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: Education should be the foundation for critical thinking, ethical behavior, and civic responsibility, but when it is weak, these values are not properly installed. Many educational systems in the region suffer from outdated curricula and a lack of resources. This leads to an environment where students are not encouraged to question authority, think independently, or challenge corrupt practices. Instead, rote learning and a focus on passing exams, rather than truly understanding issues, become the norm, leaving students ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of a corrupt society.
Do you think that the wrong social model is related to corruption and organized crime? How?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: I believe it is. In this flawed model, success is often achieved not through merit, but through illicit means like bribery, nepotism, or connections with criminal networks. Corruption enables organized crime to flourish by weakening institutions that should provide oversight, such as the police, judiciary, and government. When these institutions are compromised, organized crime operates with relative impunity, embedding itself into daily life.
This creates a dangerous feedback loop: organized crime profits from corruption, while corruption relies on the power and resources of criminal networks to maintain control. As young people observe this, many grow up believing that corruption is the norm and that engaging with organized crime is a viable way to succeed, perpetuating a system where ethics are sidelined, and crime is normalized within society.
How can the networks of this model related to corruptions and organized crime be deconstructed?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: First, strengthening the rule of law is crucial—this means reforming the judiciary and law enforcement to ensure they operate independently and without political interference. Transparent legal processes can deter corrupt practices and weaken organized crime’s grip on institutions.
Second, financial transparency and oversight must be improved to track and dismantle money-laundering activities that fund organized crime. Lastly, fostering a culture of accountability at all levels, from politics to business, is essential.
How can civil society and journalism help in deconstructing this wrong model?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: Civil society and journalism play critical roles in deconstructing corruption and organized crime networks. Civil society organizations (CSOs) can promote transparency, advocate for stronger laws, and create platforms for citizens to report corruption. By mobilizing public opinion and fostering a culture of accountability, CSOs can pressure governments and institutions to implement reforms and enforce anti-corruption measures.
Journalism is vital for exposing corruption and organized crime. Investigative reporting can uncover hidden networks, illicit deals, and abuses of power that often remain under the radar. By bringing these issues to light, journalists can hold public figures and institutions accountable, while informing the public and encouraging civic engagement. Together, civil society and journalism act as watchdogs, essential for dismantling corrupt systems and promoting integrity.
The interview was realised as part of the ‘MOVE GRANTS’ program supported by the Western Balkans Fund.