Marsenic: Census refuted Kurti; trend of Kosovo depopulation

Sociologist Marija Marsenic from the Institute for European Studies assesses that the results of the population census in Kosovo show depopulation and also refute Prime Minister Albin Kurti's claims of economic prosperity.

"When it comes to the results of the population census in Kosovo and Metohija, it can be said that we are witnessing a trend of depopulation, that is, a decrease in the population. Additionally, there is a recorded decrease in the number of working-age population in younger age groups, which indicates a deficit of the working-age workforce," Marsenic said in an interview for Kosovo Online.

According to her, the causes should primarily be sought in the political situation, then the poor standard of living, and finally in security tensions.

"Recently, we could read several World Bank reports indicating a high level of unemployment in the so-called Kosovo. I believe it is recorded to be over 60 percent. There are also poor business opportunities and migrations. Additionally, the report on the average age, which in the so-called Kosovo is on average 80 years. Then there are reports on economic growth that Albin Kurti has manipulated to suit his narrative, trying to deceive the public with stories of enormous economic prosperity and a high quality of life for people in Kosovo and Metohija," Marsenic emphasized.

She explains that the census results actually refuted Prime Minister Albin Kurti's claims.

"The census results absolutely refuted all his claims and showed the economic difficulties the people are facing. The only thing he has successfully distributed is certainly fear and violence, while there are no real solutions such as public policies, domestic and foreign investments, and development projects. There are no indications of that," Marsenic emphasized.

She says that visa liberalization has created an additional problem, after which over 270,000 Albanians left Kosovo.

"These are mostly young and educated people, that is, the working-age population that left this territory and headed to European Union countries in search of better living conditions and economic opportunities," Marsenic stressed.

She explains that when a large outflow of the working-age population causes an imbalance in the labor market, i.e., a shortage of qualified labor force, it results in an increase in unqualified labor force, which leads to a reduction in contributions to the social protection system, as well as an increase in the average age of the population and numerous other consequences.

She says that in such a situation, it is very difficult to find a solution because, as she emphasizes, "population policy is a privilege of rich countries."

"It can only be considered when all other social aspects are balanced. But, first and foremost, in this case, it is necessary to think about political and security stabilization. Only then do measures such as aligning education with labor market needs, greater inclusion of women in the labor market, increasing salaries, and supporting entrepreneurs come into play," Marsenic concluded.