Radakovic: Mayors in the north faced with obstruction from the police and ministries

Dusan Radakovic from the NGO Center for Advocacy of Democratic Culture (ACDC) told Kosovo Online that, during their first hundred days in power in the four municipalities in the north, Serbian mayors encountered a multitude of problems and faced obstruction from the police, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Local Government.

“Over the past three years, during the rule of Albanian mayors, significant damage was done in the north. The new mayors are facing many problems and will certainly continue to face them. Obstruction is a major issue. We have seen obstruction by the police, where inspections attempt to act in accordance with Kosovo law, but the police prevent them, while at the same time there are also obstructions from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Local Government,” Radakovic stated.

Speaking about the situation in North Mitrovica, he said that the municipality may have been slower to address problems than citizens expected, but that, from another perspective, it might be better to resolve issues gradually rather than all at once, as a rapid approach would likely provoke greater pressure from Albanian media and institutions, and increase the level of blockage faced by municipal authorities.

He assesses that one hundred days is too short a period to accomplish everything that is needed and is convinced that the municipality will soon begin tackling these issues more decisively.

“During these hundred days, the municipality has been trying to adapt to the current situation. I believe a hand of cooperation was extended when representatives attended a meeting with the Minister of Local Government, but we do not see that same willingness from the ministry. I expect that to change, because due to the laws on foreigners and vehicles, part of the burden will also fall on the mayors’ offices,” Radakovic pointed out.

He believes that a difficult period lies ahead for the administrations of all four municipalities.

“I sincerely hope that they will try to resolve certain matters in the most lawful way possible and, if feasible, restore some things to their previous state. The next six to seven months will be very turbulent, and I expect additional pressure from ministries and the central authorities on local self-government,” he said.

At the same time, he appealed to the police to cooperate with the municipalities, noting that they represent legitimate structures elected by citizens.

“When those in power had only three percent support, the police acted differently. I believe it is now reasonable for the police to cooperate with the municipalities, as that is in accordance with the law,” Radakovic concluded.