Nenad Rašić, leader of the “Freedom, Justice, and Survival” party and Minister for Communities and Return in the Kosovo government, visited Northern Kosovo today. In Leposavic, he faced protests from Serbian Democracy activists, who offered to raise a Serbian flag with him on the municipal flagpole—a gesture Rašić declined.
The activists responded with whistles and jeers. Rašić later visited Zvecan, where he commented on the protests.
While he expressed support for the activists’ right to dissent, he criticized their methods, stating, “I would like to see something more than just whistling and hooting.”
Informative Sessions on Civil Registration The minister’s visit coincided with scheduled sessions in Leposavic and Zvecan focused on civil registration for citizens.
These sessions, organized ahead of the implementation of a recent decision by Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, aim to integrate individuals—primarily from the Serbian community—into Kosovo’s civil system.
The decision also facilitates the recognition of Serbian documentation in obtaining Kosovan papers.
Rašić emphasized the importance of these sessions, stating, “We are here to provide clear guidance to citizens and municipal employees on the necessary documentation. The goal is to ensure that people are prepared before the decision is enforced and to address any additional issues that may arise.”
The minister expressed optimism about the integration process, acknowledging the challenges citizens have faced in the past due to bureaucratic hurdles.
“Previously, this process was painful for many,” he said.
Rašić announced plans for similar sessions in North Mitrovica and Zubin Potok in the coming days. Political Undertones and Protests Asked if his visit was part of a campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections in February, Rašić denied any electoral motive.
“I haven’t mentioned our campaign number 132, but since you mentioned it – I’ll say that we have been in a technical campaign the entire time.”
The minister defended his infrequent presence in northern Kosovo, alleging that he actually frequently stays in the region.
“I prefer face-to-face interactions over selfies. This approach may make me less visible,” he stated.
Rašić also addressed the protest organized by Serbian Democracy activists in Leposavic, who demanded the reinstatement of the Serbian flag on the municipal building. While supporting the activists’ right to dissent, he criticized their methods.
“It’s good to express disagreement, but I’d like to see more constructive actions beyond whistling and hooting,” he said.
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