Kosovo government finds it hard to meet criteria for leaving mayors in the north

This by one The analysis report on local democracy mechanisms approved at the Government Meeting. The report's conclusions say the initiative for the removal of the mayor is virtually impossible, due to the 20% quota of registered voters to begin the procedure.

It is also noted that by 2023 there has not been sufficient legal basis for functioning the initiative's mechanism for removing the mayor, and this mechanism has not been used in any municipality.

It states that the demand for the mayor's departure faces challenges, having a high voter quota as a criterion, while there is still not enough legal basis for the initiative's mechanism for the removal of the chairman, even in spite of the adoption of Administrative Guide to implement this initiative.

It also mentions the need for fulfilling legislation regarding civic petitions and initiatives, as well as clear adjustments in their examination by municipalities.

“Reviewing the necessary quota for the president's departure procedures is a recommendation for improving this mechanism. On the other hand, efforts to meet the legal basis that would enable and clarify the initiative's procedure for the removal of the president, said the report.

Albanian mayors took power in four municipalities in the north at the end of May.

The issue raised tensions and, on May 29th in Zvecan, the situation escalated into violence. Serbian protesters clashed with NATO mission soldiers, KFOR, wounding dozens.

Internationals demanded Kosovo organise new elections, which the government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti accepted, but provided the current mayors are replaced only under the law.

Such a thing envisions the signing of a petition by at least 20 per cent of citizens rightly vote in municipalities in northern Kosovo.