On the eve of Vidovdan and the traditional commemoration at Gazimestan, Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has warned of potential incidents and accused the Serbian government of seeking to deflect attention from ongoing anti-government protests in Belgrade.
Speaking during a government session today, Kurti claimed that “incidents at Gazimestan may be incited” as part of an alleged attempt by Serbian authorities to shift focus away from what he described as a “large protest” planned for tomorrow in the Serbian capital, according to Pristina-based media.
“This weekend marks Vidovdan, a date consistently accompanied by political rhetoric, incitement, and threats to public safety from Serbia. Belgrade, currently facing student protests, is trying to redirect attention. In an attempt to downplay the scale of anti-government protests in Belgrade, Serbian authorities may employ destructive elements to provoke incidents at Gazimestan,” Kurti said, as quoted by Gazeta Express.
According to Kosovo’s security and intelligence agencies, there are reportedly efforts to ensure a larger turnout at Gazimestan. Kurti claimed that organized groups of Serbs from Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia are expected to travel to Kosovo for the occasion.
“Traditionally, such groups have acted provocatively, displaying Serbian and Russian nationalist symbols that contradict the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo,” Kurti said.
He urged Kosovo Serbs to respect the law and called on citizens not to “fall for provocations.”
No Serbian Flags?
As for symbols associated with the celebration, a recent ruling by the Basic Court in Pristina may impact this year’s event. On June 12, the court annulled a decision by the Gracanica Municipality to display, as stated, the flag of the Republic of Serbia and related symbols for Vidovdan. The ruling followed an appeal filed by the Kosovo Ministry of Local Government Administration.
The court found that Gracanica’s decision seriously undermined Kosovo’s “unitary and constitutional character.” It stated that municipalities are not authorized to declare holidays beyond what is outlined in the Law on State Holidays, warning that such actions could fuel interethnic tensions — “especially if perceived as local authorities favoring one community at the expense of the legal order and the sentiments of other communities.”
The court further emphasized that the ruling should serve as a precedent, not only for Gracanica but for all municipalities across Kosovo.
The court decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Serbian side, including the Serb List, which condemned it as an attempt to erase the historical Serbian identity on Kosovo.
As of today, Gracanica municipal authorities have not responded to media inquiries regarding plans for June 28 or how the court ruling will be implemented.
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