Përparim Rama criticizes Bogujevci over Opera project: “So there’s no cultural heritage now?

Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama has challenged Culture Minister Saranda Bogujevci over the Opera and Ballet Theatre project.

Rama’s response followed Bogujevci’s announcement that the project is nearing completion and that, once this phase is finished, procurement procedures for construction will begin.

According to the mayor, the proposed location raises questions because, in the same area, central institutions are blocking the municipal “Urban Island” project, citing the protection of cultural heritage.

“So there’s no cultural heritage now! A proposal for the Opera right where they are blocking the capital in the name of heritage!” Rama wrote on Facebook.

He said “Urban Island” was intended to connect 30,000 residents with the center of Pristina. Rama also criticized the government, accusing it of failing to coordinate and cooperate with the municipality.

The mayor also expressed reservations about whether the Opera could be built, pointing to the state of the country’s cultural institutions.

“The National Theatre of Kosovo has been closed for 5 years. The National Museum of Kosovo has been closed for 5 years. And now, a proposal for the Opera!” he wrote.

Rama clarified that his main concern was not the clash between the projects, but the risk that citizens would not get an Opera building.

“My concern is that citizens will be left without the Opera,” the mayor said.

He said he was open to cooperation with central institutions and offered space and expertise to carry out the project.

Meanwhile, Minister Bogujevci said the Opera and Ballet Theatre project was designed by the Danish studio BIG, led by architect Bjarke Ingels. It includes 4 halls for performances and artistic productions, as well as spaces for rehearsals, education, conferences and public events.

“The main project is nearing completion and is progressing in line with the planned timeline,” Bogujevci wrote.

The minister said procurement for construction would begin once the detailed design was complete.

Disagreements over the site date back further. In 2022, the Municipality of Pristina designated the area behind the Palace of Youth and Sports as the site for the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Later, the municipal “Urban Island” project became a point of dispute between the municipality, the Ministry of Culture and the institutions responsible for cultural heritage.

The ministry opposed starting work without the necessary approvals, while Rama described its actions as an obstacle to the capital’s development.