The decentralisation process requires consensus from all actors

The second panel of discussants, ‘Towards Reforms’, took place at the Conference entitled “10 Years after Decentralisation and the Constitution of Local Government – The Challenges of a Decade, the Journey into the Second Decade”.

The ‘Towards Reforms’ panel consisted of: the Minister of Local Self-Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr Suhejl Fazliu; the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Ms Romina Kuko; the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Tirana, Mr Andi Seferi; the National Coordinator for State Reforms, Mr Besnik Tahiri; and the Deputy Minister of Local Government Administration of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr Beqir Fejzullahu.

This panel addressed experiences and knowledge of the latest reform trends in European countries and the region, opportunities for cooperation between countries in making these reforms a reality, as well as good practices of local governance and democracy in the region.

The common conclusion of this panel was that the decentralisation process is not simply a decision but a long and complex process that requires consensus from all relevant actors. Consequently, in-depth, appropriate and effective analyses must be carried out to determine the division of competences and finances at the local level in the service of citizens. These analyses would also serve to adapt good practices while avoiding models that do not work within the contexts of particular countries.