After two invitations within a month for taking part in the debate “Face-off” with members of the Transparency Forum, mayor of Prizren, Ramadan Muja, has given another proof of the lack of transparency and accountability towards citizens. He has refused to face with journalists and civil society activists for discussing local governance matters.

Refusal to discuss with community groups presents the violation of fundamental principles of transparent and accountable governance by the mayor of the municipality. Moreover, such lock up of the mayor during the preparation of municipal budget for 2015 presents a violation of legal obligations as well. According to the Law on Public Finances, the mayor is also a Municipal Financial Administrator thus he is bound to act in accordance with legal obligations for consultations with the public in relation to the management of public money. Read press release.