Dukaj: Local self-government reform is a reform of the whole system

Photo: Government of Montenegro / Vlada Crne Gore

The Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, has declared that the reform of local self-government is not a matter of only one department or of the municipalities, but a comprehensive state reform, aiming at higher-quality services for citizens and their greater involvement in decision-making.

At the conference “Local Self-Government Reform on the Road to the EU”, Minister Dukaj said the aim is for institutions’ relationship with citizens to move from “decision-making for citizens” to “decision-making with citizens”.

He stressed that European Union membership will bring municipalities great development opportunities and access to European funds, but also more demanding rules and procedures, so capacities must be built now.

According to him, the reform is expected to bring concrete benefits to citizens through digital services, easier access to services, better infrastructure and improved municipal services, while an increase in citizens’ direct participation in decision-making at the local level is also aimed for.