Imer Hakaj, the Director of the Cultural Heritage Inspectorate at the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MKRS), has strongly criticized the actions of the Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama, regarding unauthorized interventions at the “George Bush” square. In his statement, Hakaj argues that these actions by the Mayor and other officials have surpassed institutional norms and unjustly exerted pressure on cultural heritage institutions.
Hakaj highlighted that these interventions, which include legal complaints and public threats against cultural heritage inspectors, have violated the duties of these institutions, which are legally mandated to protect and oversee designated cultural sites. He condemned the selective release of official documents by the municipality, claiming that they misrepresented the intent and context of the documents in order to create a false public perception.
Moreover, Hakaj pointed out that Mayor Rama, with his academic and professional background in urbanism and spatial planning, was expected to set an example in respecting the legal procedures related to cultural heritage. However, Hakaj expressed disappointment that the Mayor’s actions have not lived up to these expectations. He emphasized that the Cultural Heritage Inspectorate, established in 2018, operates within a legal framework and has always acted within its legal competencies.
Hakaj called on the Mayor and other municipal officials to immediately stop their unjust public and private attacks, which he says go beyond all institutional and legal norms. He reiterated that the Cultural Heritage Inspectorate is not an obstacle to development but a guarantor of legality in a sector that is highly sensitive to the identity and history of the country. He urged citizens, the media, and all institutions not to fall victim to manipulation and to understand that the actions of his institution are entirely legal, transparent, and professional. He concluded by appealing for awareness, integrity, and mutual respect in service of the public interest.
