Agon Ferati flags resource shortages and grant imbalances at North Macedonia's Ministry of Intermunicipal Relations

Minister of Intermunicipal Relations Agon Ferati briefed journalists on the condition of the ministry he inherited, noting that out of 139 employees about 30 % lacked basic work equipment such as computers, desks and adequate office space. He criticised the previous leadership of Artan Grubi and Ivan Stoilkoviq for the absence of strategic documents, saying the ministry has operated with only two strategic papers since its creation.

Ferati announced plans to create two new departments – a Department for Strategic Partnerships to handle international cooperation and EU funds, and a Department for Analysis and Research – to improve internal cohesion. He also highlighted disparities in grant allocation, reporting that of 36 grants awarded, 29 went to Serbian community organisations, with only one grant of 500,000 denars to other beneficiaries. Ferati pledged a more equitable distribution of state funds in the coming year and called for greater media cooperation to maintain social stability.