Mayors from the organization representing Kosovo Serbs, Serbian List, supported by Belgrade, were sworn in in 4 municipalities with a Serbian majority.
On Friday, Serbian mayors were sworn in in in 4 municipalities of Kosovo, where the majority of residents are Serbs. This is seen as regaining power in the north of the country after a long period of boycotts and tensions.
These municipalities were managed by the Serbs until the end of 2022, but from 2023, they were headed by mayors of Albanian origin, after the Serbs left Kosovo institutions and boycotted local elections in protest against government policy in Pristina against the Serbian minority. Mayors of Albanian origin were elected as a consequence of a very low election turnout, as the Serbs did not vote.
After the fresh mayors of Albanian origin took office, the safety situation in the north of the country deteriorated, violent outbreaks. The clashes between the protesters and NATO's peacekeeping forces caused injuries to about 30 soldiers, 1 of whom lost his leg.
In June 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on Kosovo in consequence to safety problems. These sanctions proceed to apply, although high-ranking European officials supply for their gradual abolition.
The oath of Serbian mayors took place in front of the Kosovo flag and the photograph of president Kosovo.
Milan Radojevic, the fresh mayor of North Mitrovica, said that it was time to "commonly close the dark chapter and act in the interests of residents and the municipality of North Mitrovica".
"I believe that together we will guarantee the well-being of our inhabitants and we will be arrogant of the multiethnicity and coexistence of different groups in our municipality," added Radojevic.
Source: Balkan Insight
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