Today, my students and I had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Teuta Arifi, the Mayor of Tetovo, in her office in the Municipal Building in Tetovo.
The country is divided into 8 administrative regions, and, in addition to serving as the Mayor of Tetovo, Dr. Arifi also is the President of this administrative region (Polog).
Mayor Arifi is the first Albanian woman elected to the Parliament in Macedonia. (In fact, she is the first Albanian woman elected to a legislature in this region - before Kosovo and before Albania)
We asked the Mayor to help us better understand the mandate of municipal government in Macedonia, what kinds of projects and programs is the city of Tetovo undertaking, the role of the political parties in local government, the impact of the delayed municipal elections (as a result of the new government not formed in a timely manner, and thus no one to call the local elections), and the role of women in politics in Macedonia.
It was such an interesting and informative discussion. We are so appreciative of this opportunity
Here is Dr. Teuta Arifi's Biography, as posted on the municipal government webpage:
www.tetova.gov.mk/ bio of Teuta Arifi
Here is the Tetovo Government website: www.tetova.gov.mk/
with the Honorable Dr. Teuta Arifi, Mayor of Tetovo |
a few souvenirs from USFSP |
Such an interesting conversation with Mayor Arifi...THANKS so much for meeting with us! |
these are the 8 administrative regions in Macedonia...Mayor Arifi is President of the region that includes Tetovo |
a wonderful opportunity for my students and me....we are truly impressed and inspired by Mayor Arifi's commitment to public service |
Mayor Arifi with students from my "Democracy and Civil Society" class |
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