Agon Ferati: insufficient utilization of human resources and damaged cohesion in the Ministry for Relations between Communities

The new Minister for Relations between Communities, Agon Ferati, told reporters at a briefing that upon taking office he had found the following problems: insufficient utilization of human resources and damaged cohesion within the institution. He added that one of his priorities is to improve the public perception of the ministry.

According to Ferati, the negative perception is partly justified, because he noticed several inconsistencies in the operation and equipping of the services. He said he had contacted all department heads to request recommendations for improving work.

Reorganization and new departments

The minister announced a reorganization with the formation of two new departments: one for strategic partnership, international relations and EU grants, and a second for analysis and research. “Some sectors will be adjusted; with the new systematization we will create a Department for Strategic Partnership, International Relations and EU Grants, and the other department will be for analysis and research,” Ferati said.

Ferati also pointed to the lack of strategic documents: so far only two strategic documents have been adopted, and they are valid for two years.

Regarding his predecessor, Minister Ivan Stoilkovic — who has now been elected to lead the Ministry of Local Self-Government — Ferati criticized that he did not work inclusively and that the majority of projects were intended for organizations connected with cultural events and the promotion of the Serbian community. “Human resources were not used as they should. There is a shortage of work equipment. Out of 140 employees, 30–35 people do not have computers. All employees come to work, but the idea is to improve the internal atmosphere as well; we contacted all department heads and asked for recommendations. There is damaged cohesion on all grounds — religious, partisan and ethnic,” Ferati said.

On the allocation of grants, the minister pointed to an imbalance: “It is not about large financial amounts, but out of, say, 36 grants, 29 were for the Serbian community,” he said.

Ferati said that the further focus will be on strengthening institutional capacities, increasing efficiency and implementing projects that promote tolerance and diversity.

Photo: press material from the event