The municipal assembly of North Mitrovica convened today for its regular session, where the spotlight quickly shifted to allegations of misconduct and non-compliance by key officials. Nedžad Ugljanin, a prominent local figure, launched a series of scathing criticisms against Fatir Berzati, Director of multiple departments within the municipality, and Erden Atić, the city’s mayor.
Allegations Against Fatir Berzati
Ugljanin described Berzati as a „bully“ protected by the central authorities in Pristina, who appointed him to his position. According to Ugljanin, Berzati’s actions display a disregard for both the municipality and its citizens. „He behaves like a thug towards everyone, regardless of nationality,“ Ugljanin stated. He accused Berzati of overstepping his role, interfering in matters outside his jurisdiction, and failing to appear for the third time to present his report to the assembly.
Ugljanin further criticized Berzati for not submitting reports as required by law, an obligation Ugljanin claims Berzati has repeatedly ignored. „It is his legal duty to provide regular updates about his department’s activities,“ Ugljanin emphasized. The ongoing non-compliance led Ugljanin to declare his intention to formally request Berzati’s removal from the Ministry of Local Administration, though he expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of this action given Berzati’s protection by central authorities.
Criticism of Mayor Erden Atić
Ugljanin also targeted Mayor Erden Atić, who, like Berzati, failed to attend the session and submit his report. Ugljanin pointed out that Atić’s absence and lack of reporting contravened his obligations. He criticized Atić for publicly condemning the Serbian List while failing to address his own shortcomings.
Municipal Assembly Proceedings
Today’s assembly included ten agenda items, with seven dedicated to presenting biannual reports from various municipal sectors and the police. The police, along with the assembly’s chairman and his deputy, provided their reports, while the financial report from the municipal Directorate was also discussed. The Audit Office had previously sent five recommendations to the municipality, which have been incorporated into an action plan.
However, the reports from Mayor Atić and Director Berzati were notably missing. Their absence was highlighted by the assembly’s chairman, who expressed frustration over Berzati’s repeated non-compliance with reporting requirements.
Official Response and Next Steps
Efforts to obtain comments from the accused officials and the municipal authorities were met with limited response. Berzati briefly wished us well in a phone conversation and directed us to seek further information through the municipal Office for Information.
As the controversy unfolds, the North Mitrovica municipality remains under scrutiny, with ongoing tensions between local governance and central authority impacting the administration’s transparency and accountability.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
