The Ombudsman faces a funding shortfall, Selami: Difficulty even paying rent

The Ombudsman’s institution is facing financial difficulties, which have also affected its ability to cover the cost of rent.

Ombudsman Faton Selami expects the necessary funds to be secured through the upcoming budget review or by a government decision.

Selami has also requested an increase in staff, as the institution is constantly facing the departure of personnel. According to him, the requests submitted to the Ministry of Finance have not yet been approved.

The proposed amendments to the Law on the Ombudsman aim to strengthen the institution’s financial, functional and organizational independence.

Selami has stated that the approval of these amendments is essential for submitting an application for accreditation with A status, while North Macedonia currently holds B status.

One of the proposals concerns resolving budget disputes: if the institution and the Ministry of Finance fail to reach an agreement, the final decision will rest with Parliament.

The draft amendments also provide for the possible establishment of a council for the protection of human rights, which would include representatives of the academic community and civil society.