The Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama, raised serious concerns today in a press conference about the financial and institutional situation in the capital, warning that citizens are being put at unprecedented risk.
“In the history of the state of Kosovo, we have rarely seen citizens threatened to this extent. For the first time in Kosovo’s history, the central government is blocking the city’s own revenues—critical services for the capital. These are basic functions essential for the welfare of our children and families. For over a year, in full compliance with legal provisions, we have continuously requested the allocation of the city’s budget. None of these requests have been addressed. Prishtina’s budget has been blocked for purely political reasons: €35 million, of which €25 million are local revenues and €10 million are government grants, have been blocked by the Ministry of Finance, in violation of both the law and the constitution. We have filed a criminal complaint against the acting minister Murati for breaking the law. We have also addressed the Prime Minister, the President, and the Constitutional Court. Citizens of Prishtina have been left without salaries, and basic services are at risk,” Rama stated.
He confirmed that the situation has reached a critical point, announcing that public transport will be suspended starting tomorrow.
“I just concluded a meeting with the public transport company, and unfortunately, from tomorrow, public transport will be halted. It pains me deeply to say that I never imagined citizens of this country would be put at risk over business and political issues,” he emphasized.
Rama called on central institutions to intervene immediately to unblock the situation.
“As the mayor of the capital, citizens have entrusted me to lead for another term. I urge all institutions, officials, and ministers: take action. The elections are over; now is the time to return to work,” he added.
