Minister Demo Says Local Government Academy to Be Finalized in March as First Results of Mountain Package Expected

During a press conference, Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo announced that the Local Government Academy is in the final stage of establishment. Its structure will be completed by the end of March, and the head of the institution is expected to be selected by then as well.
Following the announcement of the vacancy, 22 candidates applied, and the selection process is being carried out in cooperation with the associations of municipalities and regions to ensure transparency and institutional participation. According to Demo, the academy will address the challenges and needs of local governments.
Regarding the implementation of the “Mountain Package,” Minister Demo emphasized that the process has entered a decisive phase, with the first successful local-level cases expected by March. He stated that the government will approve priority areas for approximately eight municipalities, which will pave the way for applications from local government units to be processed. After approval by the Council of Ministers and municipal councils, beneficiaries will proceed with the relevant procedures, including obtaining construction permits. The initiative aims to directly impact local economic development, particularly in the tourism sector.
Regarding the modernization of local governance, Demo highlighted progress in initiatives aimed at digitizing services and improving financial management through the AFMIS system. He mentioned that working groups are being formed to implement these reforms, which aim to improve service quality for citizens, reduce costs, and enhance access to local services.
The minister stressed that work is underway to revise the performance grant methodology for local government units in cooperation with international partners, including those from Switzerland and Sweden. According to him, the new 2026 methodology will include the measurement of service quality provided to citizens as a key indicator, with the aim of increasing local government efficiency and accountability.
Demo also addressed the Territorial Reform, emphasizing that the process must guarantee transparency and broad participation from citizens and interest groups at every stage. He noted that the special commission is currently drafting the methodology and organizing public hearing sessions. He also highlighted the importance of providing full information and holding public consultations. Regardless of the final methodology, the minister stressed that field visits and consultations are essential to ensure the involvement of local stakeholders and address future local governance challenges.