As Kosovo prepares for its upcoming parliamentary elections in February, the ruling party, Self-Determination Movement, has reportedly announced a boycott of three prominent media outlets: Klan Kosova, TV Dukagjini, and T7. This move has raised concerns within the media community, with the Kosovo Journalists’ Association (AGK) calling for the ruling party to reconsider its stance and ensure equal media access during the election campaign.
In a statement, the AGK expressed its dismay, noting that the boycott of key television stations contradicts the principles of transparency and undermines the role of journalists and media in holding the ruling party accountable.
“The announcement of a boycott against several major TV stations in the country, such as Klan Kosova, TV Dukagjini, and T7, by the ruling Self-Determination Movement is in direct opposition to transparency and an attempt to weaken the media’s role in ensuring the accountability of a party that has led Kosovo for four years,” the AGK wrote.
The association further urged the ruling party to reverse its decision and provide fair access to the media during the election period, emphasizing that the programs of all political entities are of public interest.
“The announced boycott is a deliberate blow to the media pluralism that characterizes Kosovo and represents a continuation of a series of actions by this government and Self-Determination aimed at undermining journalists and media outlets in Kosovo,” the AGK stated.
The AGK also condemned what it described as “continued attacks” on journalists and media by officials from the Self-Determination Movement. In particular, the association pointed to a recent statement by the party’s spokesperson, Arlind Manxhuka, who reportedly referred to the media as “parallel institutions.”
“This dangerous language is unacceptable and makes the conditions for journalism in Kosovo even more difficult,” the AGK concluded.
Sources in Pristina have confirmed that the boycott involves the ruling party’s refusal to appear in political debate shows or pre-election programs on the three TV channels. The decision has been corroborated by statements from Adriatik Kelmendi, the director of Klan Kosova, and Leonard Kerquki, the director of T7 and Gazeta Express.
Kelmendi expressed a sense of honor in being „boycotted“ by the ruling party, recalling how former President Hashim Thaçi had avoided appearing on his show for five years.
“Now, this other leader, Albin Kurti, is also afraid! What a confirmation of honor for the profession!” Kelmendi remarked.
Kerquki, too, reacted strongly, stating that the Self-Determination Movement’s decision to boycott the three main TV stations was an attempt to avoid confronting their four-year rule. „For me, this is not a boycott; it’s evading accountability for their governance,“ he said.
“When I see that the best journalists and the leading TV stations are part of Self-Determination’s blacklist, I am honored to be part of this boycott.”
This is not the first time the AGK has raised concerns about the ruling party’s treatment of the media. In December, following a speech by Prime Minister Albin Kurti during a Self-Determination Movement session, the AGK condemned his accusations that the media in Kosovo attack the current government but never target Serbia.
Kurti had claimed that media outlets were ready to align with „the devil“ in order to return the “old caste” to power.
The AGK denounced Kurti’s rhetoric as „offensive and dangerous,“ highlighting that such language labels the media in Kosovo as aligning with Serbia, a statement that directly jeopardizes the safety of journalists and media workers.
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