The citizens of Pristina will be left without public and private transportation starting tomorrow, November 24, following the decision of Urban Traffic to suspend the operation of all lines.
The reason for this situation, according to the company, is the blocking of the Municipality's budget by the Ministry of Finance.
Urban Traffic announced that the interruption is a result of financial difficulties and a lack of fuel, which have made the lines impossible to operate. In a post on Facebook, the company stressed that the Municipality of Pristina has failed to repay its financial obligations to it, although the company reports a positive balance and financial stability.
"Circulation will resume immediately after the release of funds by the Ministry of Finance, which will enable the Municipality to repay its obligations to the enterprise," the announcement states.
The company expressed regret for the consequences that the service interruption will cause for citizens.
The Mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama, described the situation as unprecedented, accusing the government of blocking 35 million euros intended for Pristina, 25 million euros of own revenues and 10 million euros of government grants.
According to him, the blockade was made for political reasons and in violation of the law and the Constitution. He announced that the Municipality has filed a criminal complaint against the Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, and other responsible officials.
Rama warned that the city's basic services, including school meals, healthcare, social assistance and municipal services, risk disruption.
"I have never believed that the citizens of this country would be put at risk for electoral interests," he said, adding that the capital's budget "has been used as a tool in local elections."
Rama called on central institutions to implement the law and release the blocked funds, while thanking public and private employees for their commitment despite the difficulties.
Rama called for placing citizens at the center of decision-making and restoring the normal functioning of the capital.