OSCE Mission to Skopje decentralization assessment shows progress, highlights further challenges

SKOPJE, 1 February 2012 – Positive trends in decentralizing powers from central to local government have been observed over the past five years, but new challenges lie ahead, concludes an OSCE report on the decentralization process presented in Skopje today.

The Assessment Report of the Decentralization Process (2006-2011), developed by the OSCE Mission to Skopje, describes the perceptions of local government officials on a range of key aspects of the decentralization process. It also assesses progress made in the implementation of key decentralized competencies and identifies challenges affecting the effective delivery of public services locally.

The report is focused on the survey on decentralization 2011 and the comparative analysis of the decentralization process for the period 2006 – 2011.

“This Decentralization Assessment Report should motivate all the players to re-examine their role in the process and to refocus on increasing democracy and good governance. This would be beneficial in the implementation of the country’s main priorities,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Ralf Breth.

The Minister of Local Self-government Nevzat Bejta added: “Decentralization is a process that should mobilize both local governments and citizens to work jointly towards the development of the municipalities and creation of better living conditions for all citizens. We, as representatives of the central government, will focus on developing this process because decentralization of power is the cornerstone of democracy and a precondition for good governance at local level.”

The project is a continuation of the Mission’s efforts to follow the progress made in the decentralization process, within its mandate to monitor the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.