Citizens of North Mitrovica: We don't need new bridges, we have enough – the petition is our voice

The citizens of North Mitrovica, who came today to sign the petition against the construction of two new bridges over the Ibar River, say they are doing so in opposition to the idea of acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, stressing that the three existing bridges are more than sufficient and that Kurti’s plan is unnecessary and politically motivated.

One of the citizens who had already signed the petition told Kosovo Online that there are already enough bridges over the Ibar and that building new ones is unnecessary.

“We have three bridges, that is enough, more than enough. The main bridge, the one toward Suvi Do, and the one down there,” the middle-aged resident of Mitrovica said.

Although he doesn't believe the petition will change much, he had no doubt about coming out to support the initiative.

His fellow citizen agreed, also emphasizing that the main bridge over the river already exists and that additional ones are unnecessary.

“We don’t need a bridge at all. We already have one. We don’t need anything. Not one, not the other. We have the main one, and even that one is closed,” he reminded.

One woman said she hopes the petition will succeed, adding that the idea of building new bridges is “ridiculous.”

“We absolutely don’t need a bridge. We already have one that is passable. People cross it daily. What more do they want? Two more bridges? That’s such a ridiculous idea. Who thought of that? Maybe him, but probably someone from abroad, we won’t name names. We know who is teaching him, who is encouraging him. What more can I say? I hope this petition succeeds. I hope someone hears our voice, although that is unlikely,” she said.

The point of the petition, the citizens agree, is to express public opposition to the intentions of the authorities in Pristina.

“Our goal is to oppose Kurti’s intentions and those who listen to the British and Americans. Through this petition, we oppose their plans,” another resident of Mitrovica added.