The Association of Municipalities of Kosovo recently held a protest in Pristina, voicing concerns regarding central-level interference in the operational competencies and financial autonomy of local government bodies. The group cited a general lack of institutional support for the municipalities at the national level. In response to the demonstration, Valon Prebreza, the Mayor of the Municipality of Fushë Kosovë, commented on the gathering.
Prebreza acknowledged that the Association of Municipalities of Kosovo functions to defend and represent local interests, but he clarified that its mandate is not inherently oppositional to the central government. During the protest on September 1st, the Association of Municipalities stated that it had not met with the Parliament for two years and claimed to be in a state of financial difficulty. Countering this narrative, Prebreza asserted that the relationship between the municipalities and the central government should be one of collaboration rather than opposition.
He emphasized that cooperation between local and central authorities is ultimately beneficial to the citizenry. Prebreza concluded by noting that available facts, including financial data amounting to 546 million euros, underscore the necessity of working together for the public good.
Topics: #protest #municipalities #prebreza
