Kosovo’s Serbs Need Political Pluralism and Integration, Says Mujaj

In the lead-up to Kosovo’s parliamentary elections, Veton Mujaj from the civic organization Syri Vizionit, part of the broader coalition Democracy in Action, emphasizes the need for political pluralism and genuine dialogue. Mujaj argues that if the Serbian community in Kosovo’s parliament gains representation beyond Srpska Lista, there will be new opportunities for constructive dialogue and long-term solutions.

“Our politicians need to address the real problems of citizens and connect with them, rather than focusing on high-level politics. The European Union is the key player in the dialogue process, not Trump. Politicians must work on building trust and encouraging citizens to vote. If they don’t vote, they can’t complain later that they had no one to represent them,” Mujaj said during the first episode of “Can I Ask You, Neighbor?”, a joint production by KoSSev and Radio Goraždevac.

Increased Political Pressure and Hate Speech Amid Kosovo’s Election Campaign

Political analyst Mujaj warns of rising political pressure and an intensification of hate speech in the final stretch of Kosovo’s election campaign. However, he stresses that ethnic hatred is not prevalent and dismisses claims of extreme anti-Serb rhetoric by Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

„Ethnic hatred is not the main issue here,“ Mujaj said in a joint interview with KoSSev and Radio Goraždevac. „What we see is mostly political rivalry between Albanian, Serbian, Bosniak, and other parties on Kosovo’s political scene.“

While tensions are growing, Mujaj noted that Kurti’s Self-Determination (Vetëvendosje) party has shifted its focus toward Kosovo’s constitution rather than the nationalist agenda of a Greater Albania. Although the flag representing Greater Albania appeared at some campaign events, Mujaj claims this does not reflect reality.

„Vetëvendosje and Kurti have concentrated more on the constitution of Kosovo over the past four years,“ Mujaj explained. „The key is that all citizens of Kosovo must accept and uphold the constitution across the entire territory.“

He emphasized that Kosovo’s majority Albanian population has a greater responsibility to promote the integration of Serbs into Kosovo’s society. „Serbs are in a difficult position, and they need both integration and democratization,“ he said. Mujaj criticized the current political monopoly held by the Serb List, advocating for greater political diversity among Kosovo’s Serbs.

„A political party that truly addresses the everyday problems of the Serbian community is necessary. Unfortunately, such a party is yet to emerge,“ Mujaj added, noting that some individuals are working toward a more pluralistic political landscape.

Symbols and Hate Speech: Political Responsibility

Mujaj confirmed an increase in hate speech among rival political parties, but reiterated that this is not rooted in ethnic animosity.

„This is more about political competition than ethnic conflict,“ he said. „However, the situation is escalating daily.“

Responding to the presence of Greater Albania flags and the playing of Albanian national songs at campaign rallies, Mujaj said: „These symbols are not a true representation of the situation on the ground. Vetëvendosje used to promote Albanian unification, but they have moved away from that focus in recent years.“

Mujaj also noted a significant shift in Self-Determination’s stance toward national symbols. „It’s interesting that Vetëvendosje, which once refused to recognize Kosovo’s flag, now displays it at political gatherings,“ he observed. He called for clear regulations on the use of national symbols in public events. „This issue is not exclusive to Albanian parties—nationalist slogans and symbols appear across the political spectrum.“

Political Pressure and Voter Intimidation

Mujaj highlighted the pressures that citizens face during election campaigns. „In private conversations, you realize how local mayors or government officials sometimes pressure municipal employees to participate in political activities,“ he said. „This form of pressure exists at all levels—from local governments to the national level.“

This phenomenon is present in both Serbian and Albanian-majority areas. „It’s part of Balkan political culture,“ Mujaj noted. „Unfortunately, it repeats itself in every election cycle.“

The Struggle for Democracy Among Kosovo’s Serbs

Mujaj believes the Serbian community in Kosovo is in a challenging position. While six Serbian parties are running in the upcoming elections, he criticized their lack of focus on the real needs of the community. „Most political parties concentrate on high-level politics, not on the everyday issues people face,“ he said.

„For genuine change to happen, the Serbian community needs more political diversity,“ Mujaj said. „It would be a significant step forward if Serbian MPs represented different political options rather than one monolithic party.“

He also called for closer cooperation between Serbian and Albanian parties on practical projects. „If we want real coexistence, we need joint efforts on concrete projects that benefit all citizens,“ Mujaj urged.

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