Ardian Gjini, the Mayor of Gjakova Municipality, has announced that the various municipalities across Kosovo plan to hold a protest in Pristina on September 1st. The demonstration is organized to demand adherence to the legal competencies and rights of local government units. Gjini stated that, in his assessment, the central government is impeding the ability of the municipalities to execute their mandated functions, characterizing this centralized approach as both illegal and politically motivated.
The municipalities are calling on citizens to participate in the protest, citing several significant concerns regarding local governance. According to Gjini, the central government has reportedly taken control of over €344 million allocated to the municipalities. Specific grievances highlighted include substantial budget cuts affecting local services, the exclusion of more than 3,100 teachers from financial planning allocations, and the failure to provide compensation for damages sustained from natural disasters.
Furthermore, the mayor pointed to the centralization of inspectorates and mounting restrictions placed on municipal properties as key areas of dispute. The organized protest aims to draw national attention to the perceived erosion of local autonomy. Gjini emphasized that the core issue is the undermining of local governance structures, asserting that the rights and operational space of the municipalities must be respected by the central authorities.
The planned demonstration seeks to unify local leaders and citizens in advocating for greater self-governance.
Topics: #gjini #municipalities #protest
