Skopje, 6 May 2025 (MIA) - At a session Tuesday, the Government approved amendments to the Law on Local Self-Government which, among other things, will provide for a possibility to recall a mayor through a referendum, introduce communal police and greater participation of the civil sector in decision-making at the local level.

The draft amendments will be forwarded to Parliament and if adopted by summer will apply to the new mayors elected at the next regular local elections in October.

“The amendments will bring significant improvements to the functioning of municipalities, and increase transparency, citizens’ participation and administrative efficiency,” the Government said.

The amendments would make it possible for a referendum to be held on recalling a mayor if 20 percent of the citizens request a dismissal.

On several occasions the Minister of Local Self-Government, Zlatko Perinski, has stressed that the amendments cannot apply retroactively, making it impossible to recall any of the current mayors. 

The Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS) welcomed the Government’s approval of the draft amendments and expressed hope that Parliament will adopt the amendments in the shortest possible term.

“ZELS welcomed the decision by the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia to adopt the draft amendments to the Law on Local Self-Government, especially the section that refers to the establishment of communal police. This has been a long-standing request by ZELS and we hope that with the adoption of these amendments, the municipalities will be able to provide much better services for their citizens,” ZELS said.

Photo: MIA Archive