A growing number of North Mitrovica residents are expressing sharp disapproval of the work and legitimacy of the current local government, installed after heavily boycotted elections in 2023. In interviews for KoSSev, citizens described the municipal administration as politically driven, disconnected from community needs, and built on what they see as unconstitutional and unlawful foundations. Many fear that even future governments may lack the courage to undo the decisions made in this term.
Erden Atić, a candidate from the ruling Vetëvendosje (Self-Determination) Movement, became mayor of North Mitrovica in May 2023, following elections in which he received only 550 votes—a result of a widespread Serbian boycott. His appointment came months after the collective withdrawal of Serbs from almost all Kosovo institutions in the north, including the municipal assembly.
That assembly, now composed of 16 newly appointed members and only one Serb representative, was formed automatically after the elections. Since then, the administration has undergone a complete overhaul. Ethnic Albanians, many unfamiliar with the Serbian language, local context, or residents’ needs, now dominate positions from clerks to department directors.
„Most Decisions Are Political“
Residents interviewed by KoSSev described a municipal leadership that is focused primarily on advancing political agendas, rather than addressing local needs.
“While some decisions do relate to citizens, most seem politically driven. And we—the citizens—aren’t being asked,” one woman said in a street interview.
Another resident voiced concern about the long-term implications: “This illegitimate government is making illegitimate, illegal, and unconstitutional decisions. I’m afraid future administrations won’t have the political courage or credibility to repeal them.”
Outsiders in the Town Hall
Some citizens feel disconnected from the current administration altogether. A number of interviewees admitted they don’t keep up with local governance, but said their limited experience with public services has been frustrating.
“They don’t interest me. They’re all thieves—on both sides. You know very well who they are,” said one elderly resident.
Another woman described how services have deteriorated since the change in leadership. “We used to know where to go for documents and how the process worked. Now everything is scattered. People from outside have taken over,” she said.
According to her, the only noticeable function of the new administration is tax collection. “I’m not satisfied, but we don’t have another option,” she added.
A fellow resident said she doesn’t use municipal services herself but often hears complaints. “People run into problems, especially with the administration. Those kinds of services are the most problematic,” she said.
“Southern Municipalities Are More Efficient; No Serb Discrimination”
Journalist Branislav Krstić noted that basic administrative services are more efficient in southern municipalities.
“There, people wait much less for the same services,” he said.
“They don’t have a discriminatory attitude toward the Serbian community like the northern municipality does. In the North, you wait longer for everything. In the South, things get done more quickly and simply.”
Krstić went further, describing the current local government in North Mitrovica as part of a broader, ultranationalist and discriminatory faction based in Pristina.
Honorary Citizens: No Serbs Among Them
Krstić also addressed the recent designation of Veton Elshani, deputy police commander for the North Region, as an honorary citizen of North Mitrovica—an appointment that stirred controversy.
“If the state of Kosovo is serious about establishing statehood in the North, then Veton Elshani has indirectly or directly been a valuable interlocutor for those Serbs who seek assistance from that kind of police,” he said.
However, he emphasized that the northern police force lacks genuine representation from the local Serbian community.
A fellow journalist and local resident added that among the newly named honorary citizens—there were no Serbs. “They’re mostly Albanian representatives, and that’s quite noticeable,” she said.
Another resident was unsurprised by the selections.
“They decide everything—who’s honored, who receives certificates of appreciation. There’s no legitimacy, regularity, or reality. They are everywhere: in the police, on every corner“.
“New Governments Will Have New Heroes”
Krstić concluded with a somber reflection on the future:
“New governments will eventually have their own heroes and honorary citizens. I just hope they won’t tear down billboards of previous ones, like they did with Novak Djoković.”
So what remains?
“Faith,” Krstić said.
Faith that we will never return to the old ways. But also the realization that this was all part of a larger political project—by the state of Serbia—for Kosovo and Metohija
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
