As Kosovo prepares for its parliamentary elections scheduled for February 9, the campaign trail has taken an unusual turn, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s fiery speeches becoming a focal point of public and media attention.
Since the start of the pre-election campaign, which officially began on January 11, Kurti’s party, Vetëvendosje, has been relentless in its efforts to engage voters. The party has held at least 15 rallies in just over a week, with Kurti personally addressing audiences in 10 municipalities.
The Kosovo PM is even set to travel abroad to connect with diaspora supporters later this week. His appearances extend beyond traditional campaign events—visiting stores and cafes, chatting with youth, meeting the elderly in parks, and engaging with factory workers.
The campaign trail has also seen Kurti taking aim at opposition parties, particularly the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). The harsh rhetoric used by the party has already resulted in penalties for violating campaign rules.
Kurti has used these opportunities to highlight his administration’s achievements over the past four years: combating corruption, raising salaries, strengthening social programs, and enforcing the rule of law, particularly in the North – as he himself had stressed. However, critics argue that his rhetoric is increasingly overshadowed by the unorthodox delivery of his messages.
Dramatic Campaign Performances
Videos of Kurti’s campaign speeches, widely shared on social media, reveal a practically theatrical approach that includes exaggerated vocal tones and animated gestures.
In one widely circulated video from a rally in Urosevac, Kurti is seen mimicking the counting of votes in a dramatic performance.
Holding a stack of papers, he loudly announces „Vetëvendosje!“ with each simulated ballot before theatrically tossing them aside. His audience responded with laughter and applause, but the video has sparked a wave of critical commentary online.
Diçka seriozisht nuk është në rregull këtu. pic.twitter.com/e407FYzxlN
— Xhemajl Rexha (@xhemajl_rexha) January 19, 2025
“At a Loss For Words”
Kurti’s unorthodox style has led some to question his mental state. Concerns have been raised by figures like Bleron Baraliu, a political analyst and former supporter of Kurti, who expressed alarm at both the Prime Minister’s behavior and its potential impact on Kosovo.
“I am sincerely concerned about Albin’s mental health—and the consequences for all of us,” Baraliu wrote on Facebook.
“This behavior and shouting don’t seem normal to me. I urge psychologists to either contradict or confirm my concerns.”
Similar sentiments have been echoed by prominent voices. The President of the Kosovo Journalists’ Association, Xhemail Rexha, remarked, “Something is seriously wrong here,” while sharing the viral video. Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Petrit Selimi simply noted he was „at a loss for words“ after retweeting the clip.
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