After nearly three years outside Kosovo’s institutional system, the Serb List (Srpska lista) formally took over the administrations of the four northern municipalities on Friday, December 5th. Their return follows 928 days of boycott — a period that began with their withdrawal from Kosovo institutions in late 2022 and continued through their refusal to participate in the 2023 local elections, which paved the way for Albanian mayors to assume authority.
The October elections, in which Serb List secured a convincing victory, marked their path back into the system at a time when the Kosovo government, led by Vetëvendosje, had significantly strengthened its presence in the North — from territorial control to full institutional access.
For the government in Pristina, this period was framed as a “fight against organized crime and terrorism” and a consolidation of “state and territorial sovereignty.”
For many residents in the North, however, the past three years were described as a period of “repression by Kurti’s government.”
Serb List officials assumed office under Kosovo’s flag and the portrait of President Vjosa Osmani. Since Friday, Kosovo media have focused on claims that these symbols were removed in some mayoral offices.
Serb List has pushed back, stating instead that they found the buildings in disarray — damaged furniture and equipment, valuable paintings and icons missing, “dug-up walls,” and even “fires set on parquet floors.”
Will the situation improve with Serb List’s return? Public divided
To gauge public expectations, KoSSev conducted a one-day poll on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
Across Instagram and X, nearly 500 people responded. The overall sentiment tilted slightly toward pessimism: just over half of respondents believe that even with Serbs back in local governments, things will not improve.
Instagram results (363 responses):
• 45% (165) – No change expected
• 31% (112) – Expect improvement
• 15% – Don’t know
• 9% (31) – Indifferent
X (Twitter) results (134 responses):
• 56% – Do not expect improvement
• 14% – Expect improvement
• 12% – Don’t know
• 18% – Indifferent
Facebook comments: demands, frustrations, and disputes
On Facebook, readers commented freely about what decisions they expect from the new mayors. Responses came from users with both Serbian and Albanian names, reflecting familiar divisions but also broad skepticism toward all political actors.
Serbian commenters repeatedly called for the return of Serbian flags, while Albanian users insisted on respect for Kosovo’s symbols and laws. The comment sections also featured occasional arguments and a prevailing cynicism toward Serb List and politicians in general.
Some representative comments:
• “First, put the Serbian flags back on the poles.”
• “They swore an oath to Kurti, and now they’ll bring back Serbian flags? Impossible.”
• “All politicians are the same. Personal gain only.”
• “Let them continue stealing for themselves and for Aca the Serb.”
• “Except putting up the Serbian flag alongside the Kosovo one, nothing else will improve.”
• “After Banjska and after leaving… institutions, those people from the so-called Serb List caused huge damage. Kurti removed everything Serbian — banks, dinar… nothing without Vučić’s approval.”
• “If anything violates Kosovo law, Kurti will arrest them immediately.”
• “To steal more, and better — that’s their decision.”
• “Criminal groups, crypto, smuggling — the same story.”
• “According to the Constitution, Kosovo’s flag and the president’s portrait must be in official rooms. I expect cooperation with ministries and whichever PM wins on December 28th.”
• “Keep dreaming — the Serbian flags are coming back. Osmani is leaving the office wall.”
• “Bring back the Serbian flag — that was the promise.”
• “Serbian flag.”
• And for some, the return of Serb List signaled a pragmatic opportunity: “Time to go ask for a job.”
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
