Skopje, 15 August 2024 (MIA) - The demand from Skopje's mayors to strip the City of Skopje of its powers in the communal services is a consequence of the continuous pressure from citizens, who are rightly dissatisfied with the services under the jurisdiction of the City of Skopje, said the Minister of Local Self-Government, Zlatko Perinski.

He added that the issue will be discussed at the next government session to find a solution for the situation in the City of Skopje.

“I understand the mayors' demands and fully support their stance that, regrettably, Skopje’s residents are living in substandard conditions because of a single person who has seized control of the city. I believe the proposal from Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS) will be discussed at the next government session, where we will present our views based on legal mechanisms, and I am confident that the best solution for the citizens of Skopje will be made,” Perinski said.

He openly calls on the competent institutions to take steps and initiatives to determine why the Mayor of Skopje is not acting within their authority, thus endangering the lives and safety of Skopje’s residents.

According to Perinski, it is intolerable and dangerous for Skopje's streets to be filled with uncollected and scattered garbage at every turn, especially during extremely high temperatures. He considers untrimmed grass in public spaces, under the city’s authority where Skopje residents relax and children play, as both disgraceful and dangerous. Additionally, there are no adequate words to describe the irregular and unsafe public transportation, which is the sole mode of transport for thousands of citizens.

Photo: Ministry of Local Self-Government