The Ministry of Local Government Administration in cooperation with the OSCE have continued to promote the Strategy on Local Self-Government in the Gjilan/Gnilane region with the municipalities of Viti/Vitina, Novobërdë/Novo Brdo, Partesh/Parteš, Ranillug/Ranilug, Kllokot/Klokot, Ferizaj/Uroševac, Kaçanik/Kačanik, Shtime/Štimlje, Shtërpcë/Štrpce and Hani Elezit/Elez Han. 10 April 2016, Prishtinë/Priština
The Ministry of Local Government Administration in cooperation with the OSCE have continued to promote the Strategy on Local Self-Government in the Gjilan/Gnilane region with the municipalities of Viti/Vitina, Novobërdë/Novo Brdo, Partesh/Parteš, Ranillug/Ranilug, Kllokot/Klokot, Ferizaj/Uroševac, Kaçanik/Kačanik, Shtime/Štimlje, Shtërpcë/Štrpce and Hani Elezit/Elez Han.
In his opening speech, the Deputy Minister of MLGA Mr. BajramGecaj said that the overall social development, the dynamic of the state-building processes and other factors have urged the need for reforms at the local level and that the problems faced by municipalities over the years have also urged the need for fundamental changes in terms of management of public services, efficient financial management and the ability to efficiently absorb the demands of citizens, which would improve the quality of life and overall social development. "The consolidation of local democracy, the democratic principles of local self-government and provisions of the European Charter of Local Self-Government are incorporated as constitutional principles. Now, we have to create development policies for the local level as well “Deputy Minister BajramGecaj said.
During the presentation of the Strategy on Local Self-Government, the Acting Secretary General of MLGA Ms. Rozafa Ukimeraj said the creation of a framework for good governance that ensures democratic representation of citizens and efficient municipal administration, which plans the revaluation of primary and secondary legislation on local self-government, the strengthening of administrative supervision of municipalities, provision of professional administration through modernization and advancement of online services are among the main components of the Strategy.
Ms. Ukimeraj has also added that the Strategy is focused on the capacity building in municipalities, structural changes and de-politicization, promotion of information technology and use of opportunities for online communication, strengthening of institutional memory, advancement of the representative role of municipal authorities, while a significant part of it is aimed at increasing municipal transparency and strengthening participation of citizens in decision-making.
Mayor of Gjilan/Gnjilane, Mr. LutfiHaziri said that the Strategy on Local Self-Government is an important document for the development of local government in the future and urges municipalities to build an efficient and successful development infrastructure because the municipality is the first door where citizens can fulfil their demands.
The Director of the Democratization Department Mr. Christopher Tuetschcongratulated MLGA that together with line institutions have prepared an important strategic document and said that OSCE will continue to work closely with MLGA to build a functional system of local government based on democratic principles of local governance.
The Mayor of HaniElezit/Elez Han Mr. Refki Suma, representatives of international organizations, civil society and businesses have also talked about the importance of the Strategy.
Discussions on the promotion of the Strategy on Local Self-Government will continue in the region of Prishtinë/Priština and Pejë/Peć.