Ombudsman Faton Selami says office faces funding shortfall and trouble paying rent
Selami says the office is losing personnel and needs extra budget; proposed law amendments would grant greater financial and organisational independence.
On 22 October 2026 Ombudsman Faton Selami warned that the Office of the Ombudsman is facing a funding shortfall that has affected even basic expenses such as rent, and that the institution is losing staff while the Ministry of Finance has so far rejected requests for new hires.
"We are having problems with paying the rent as well," Selami said, describing immediate liquidity pressures that are complicating the office's daily operation and staffing stability.
Selami said he expects additional funds to appear either through the upcoming budget rebalance or by a direct decision of the Government. Until then, the office is trying to cover obligations and retain personnel under constrained conditions.
Proposed law changes aim to strengthen independence
The draft amendments to the Law on the Ombudsman foresee greater financial, functional and organisational independence for the institution. Under the proposal, if the Ombudsman's Office and the Ministry of Finance cannot agree on the budget, the final decision would be taken by the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.
According to Selami, the legal changes are a precondition for submitting an application for accreditation with status A; at present North Macedonia holds status B. The package also includes a proposal to establish a council for the protection of human rights composed of representatives from academia and the civil sector.
Selami framed the legislative changes and the search for extra funds as necessary steps to stabilise the institution, reverse staff departures and secure the Ombudsman's ability to monitor and protect rights without financial interference.
Photo: press material from the event
