„Money Isn’t What We Need, It’s Peace and Freedom“: Poll Highlights Skepticism Toward Vučić’s Kosovo Measures

In the aftermath of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s newly unveiled measures aimed at addressing the Kosovo crisis, a deep divide has emerged among Serbs. Many express growing skepticism toward the initiatives, seeing them as politically motivated gestures rather than concrete solutions, according to a recent poll conducted by KoSSev. Citizens voiced doubts about the effectiveness and intent behind the measures. One local resident summarized the sentiment: „Money isn’t what we need, it’s peace and freedom, and he hasn’t offered that to us.“

The measures, announced in mid-September, came as a response to increasing tensions following the Kosovo government’s actions to remove Serbian institutions from northern Kosovo. The Serbian president introduced a five-point plan aimed at stabilizing the situation.

The first chapter calls for a return to the „status quo ante,“ meaning the restoration of Serbian participation in the police and judiciary, local elections in northern municipalities, and the release of so-called „political prisoners.“

The plan also includes the formation of the long-delayed Association of Serbian Municipalities.

Further chapters outline financial aid and employment opportunities for Kosovo Serbs, including the establishment of new public offices near the border, and the creation of a specialized prosecution office.

Despite these announcements, the KoSSev poll shows that many people in Kosovo feel the measures are insufficient, while some shared their support of the current Serbian government.

Citizens who spoke to KoSSev critiqued the initiatives as being largely symbolic and designed to appeal to Vučić’s domestic supporters.

„I don’t see the point after everything that has happened—from the closure of institutions to the ban on Serbian currency and imported goods,“ said one respondent.

The prevailing view, as captured by the poll, is that the measures are more about securing votes for Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) rather than addressing the real challenges faced by Kosovo Serbs.

One respondent voiced his frustration, criticizing the focus on short-term financial relief instead of sustainable solutions.

„His main theme at the conference was that he’ll give money to the unemployed, to the socially vulnerable, to children for school lunches. I get it—in a country where you can buy anything with money, you think you can buy people too. But we don’t need money. We all find a way to survive, just like people in Serbia live off the wages they get there. What we need is peace and freedom, and he didn’t offer us that.“

Another interviewee from North Mitrovica shared a similar view, labeling the economic measures as an attempt to „bribe“ citizens into staying in Kosovo.

„This is bribing people with government jobs and handouts to keep them in Kosovo. Instead of that, the money could have been directed toward sustainable jobs and production. A community doesn’t prosper by handing out cash; it prospers when people earn their own wages through meaningful work.“

The proposed „modern offices“ at the border crossings have also drawn criticism. According to one resident, they symbolize an additional layer of bureaucracy that will complicate everyday life.

„We’ll have to wait in line, both on our way in and out,“ complained a resident from Banjska, referencing the long queues at the Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings.

Perhaps the most contentious issue is the proposed formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities. Some see it as a long-overdue promise, while others question its feasibility and true purpose.

„What will it cover? The only things still functioning in the Serbian system here are the university and the hospital. All other provisional bodies, including banks, have closed. How will it work in practice? I really don’t know,“ said a resident of Mitrovica.

The establishment of a special prosecutor’s office to pursue those who infringe on the rights of Serbs, including Albanians, has also raised concerns. While some view it as a necessary step, others fear it could be misused against political opponents within the Serbian community.

„They say it’s to go after Albanians who mistreated Serbs, and that’s fine. But those Albanians will never come to Serbia, so how will it work? And what’s more concerning is the idea that this office will also target Serbs who are ‘working against Serbia’s interests.’ Does that mean we, who think differently, will be labeled state enemies? Will we be arrested when we enter Serbia? That’s dangerous and wrong.“

The KoSSev poll further highlights the polarized views among Kosovo Serbs regarding the decisions of the Serbian government. One elderly resident from Zvečan, supportive of the president, remarked:

„It’s nice that the president made promises. The people need to feel it now, but the support is weak. Unfortunately, the big powers don’t let us move forward. But I trust Vučić; he’s never lied to us. He promises that things will improve, and I believe him.“

However, another resident from Banjska expressed deep disillusionment with Vučić’s leadership.

„Please don’t ask me about him. In my opinion, he’s no different from Zelensky—two of the biggest liars I’ve seen in my life. Every day, he says something that doesn’t match reality. He talks about seeing things, but what is there to see?“

One resident grimly predicted, „Kosovo will never be Serbian again—maybe in 500 years, but not now. Unless something drastic changes, I’m not optimistic.“

In conclusion, the poll reveals a striking division in the Kosovo Serb community.