The Serb List formally returned to local government in North Mitrovica, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic on Friday, as newly elected mayors and assembly members took their oaths of office — marking the end of almost three years of institutional boycott and 928 days outside the system.
Constitutive sessions were held simultaneously at 11:00 in the ceremonial halls of all four municipalities, where the new officials took office under the symbols of the Republic of Kosovo — a noticeable change from the period before the Serb List withdrew from institutions in late 2022.
The atmosphere was summed up by the opening remarks of the oldest chair of the North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly from the Serb List:
“We have long awaited the day when our municipality will have legitimate and legal representatives who will work in the interest of citizens, respecting all communities. The citizens have shown in which direction they want the municipality to move.”
The newly elected mayor added that the moment represented a chance to “close a dark chapter.”
North Mitrovica: Radojević Sworn In
The North Mitrovica assembly session opened under the chairmanship of Srpska lista’s Siniša Lazić, who first formed a five-member verification committee. Fourteen assembly members were present and verified their mandates before taking the oath, followed by the mayor.
Mayor Milan Radojević pledged to carry out his duties “honorably, faithfully, impartially, conscientiously and according to the law,” before addressing the assembly:
“Until 2022, North Mitrovica was the only multiethnic urban center we were all proud of. Some changes occurred in the previous period that citizens did not support, and they clearly expressed their will in these elections… They gave us a mandate to close a dark chapter and work in the interest of our municipality. I believe we will again be proud of the multiethnicity and coexistence that exist in our community.”
Radojević appointed Adriana Hodžić as his deputy.
During the session, Marko Jakšić, leader of “North for All,” objected to the presence of plainclothes police officers, saying he felt unsafe. Although several Albanian-language remarks by assembly members went untranslated, LVV MP Aida Ferati-Doli insisted there were no police officers in the hall and “no reason for fear.” Despite objections from the chair, the officers did not leave.
Following the session, Serb List officials walked to the party headquarters, greeted by supporters chanting “Serbia, Serbia” and carrying Serbian flags.
Zvecan: Milović Takes Office
In Zvecan, after the assembly members took their oaths, Dragiša Milović assumed the mayoral post, vowing to work “honorably, faithfully, impartially, conscientiously and according to the law.”
Milović emphasized cooperation with all actors contributing to stability, including KFOR, UNMIK, EULEX, OSCE, Kosovo institutions, and the Kosovo Police:
“Local self-government must serve our citizens… The doors of my office will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the benefit of our people.”
Zubin Potok: Perović Sworn In
Newly elected mayor Miloš Perović also took his oath on Friday, expressing gratitude to voters and warning of a demanding period ahead.
He appointed Srđan Vulović as his deputy. During the session, assembly member Milija Biševac handed Perović a Serbian flag — citing Perović’s campaign promise to return it to the municipal building after it was removed by former mayor Izmir Zeqiri.
Afterward, Perović and Serb List assembly members met supporters at party headquarters, where he thanked them for their trust:
“We know what we went through over the past three years… We hope things will get better.”
Leposavic: Todić Promises to Rebuild Trust
In Leposavic, mayor Zoran Todić thanked residents for their support and referred to the pressures faced over the past three years:
“There is no resident who did not feel it. Today, there are fewer of us than three years ago, but I believe that with hard work we can create a favorable environment to live and build a future here — for ourselves and especially our children.”
Strong International and Media Presence
The sessions drew significant media attention, particularly in North Mitrovica, and were attended by representatives of OSCE, EULEX, UNMIK, and diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy.
Kosovo Albanian media emphasized throughout the day that all halls were prepared with Kosovo symbols, stressing that “changes to symbols will not be allowed.”
Constitutive sessions were also held in other Serb-majority municipalities, nine in total. Klokot — where a second election round was held — will convene later, with the Serb List also claiming victory there.
A Political Return After Years of Tensions
The October 12 local elections marked the Serb List’s return to Kosovo’s political institutions after boycotting the extraordinary elections of 2023. The party now again governs North Mitrovica, Zvecan, Zubin Potok, Leposavic, Gracanica, Strpce, Novo Brdo, Partes, and Ranilug.
This concludes a period in which northern municipalities were run by officials from Vetëvendosje under mayor Erden Atić — a period marked by sharp political tensions, repeated security crises, and a deepening divide between local Serbs and central institutions.
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