Sami Lushtaku, the Mayor of Skenderaj, responded to recent protests organized by Kosovo’s municipalities. Lushtaku addressed the demonstrations, asserting that the action stemmed from concerns over the government’s perceived effort to diminish the operational autonomy and competencies of local governing bodies. According to Lushtaku, the core issue revolves around the perceived imbalance of responsibility.
He stated that the government cannot simultaneously reduce the powers of the municipalities while imposing the full financial obligations for public services, and subsequently demanding accountability for the provision of citizen services. Lushtaku characterized the ongoing protest not merely as an institutional disagreement, but as a significant confrontation between democratic principles and centralized authority. He emphasized the legal standing of local governance, asserting that “Municipal authorities are elected by the citizens and have a constitutional and legal mandate to carry out their work.”
The statement from Lushtaku signals a strong defense of decentralized power structures.
He warned that local governance remains resolute and will not yield its authority despite the current political climate. The statements highlight escalating tensions regarding the division of powers between the central government and the elected municipal administrations across Kosovo.
Topics: #municipalities #lushtaku #government
