Pavkovic: Kurti will continue with nationalist rhetoric even after the elections, especially toward Serbs

Milos Pavkovic, an associate at the Center for European Policy, stated that the Self-Determination Movement and their candidate for prime minister, Albin Kurti, are using a "strategy of polarization," which is why he expects them to continue employing intensified nationalist rhetoric until February 9, which might only "subside" if they are unable to form a new government on their own.

"This is a strategy of polarization that benefits Self-Determination, and they are making extensive use of it, especially during the campaign. I assume that Self-Determination and Kurti will continue using intensified nationalist rhetoric and hate speech up until election day itself, and that after the elections, this will depend on the results," Pavkovic told Kosovo Online.

He is convinced that the Self-Determination Movement will only "tone down" this rhetoric if they have to seek coalition partners due to a lack of parliamentary seats to form a government independently.

"In that case, they will likely reduce nationalist rhetoric and hate speech to more easily attract a partner. However, if Self-Determination wins an absolute majority in the elections, they will have no reason to stop this practice, and I believe they will continue with nationalist rhetoric and all the policies they have pursued so far, not only toward Albanian parties but especially toward the Serbian community, which have been very nationalist and extreme," Pavkovic emphasized.

He does not rule out the possibility that intensified nationalist rhetoric will continue even after the elections.

"That is certainly possible, but it is a manner of governance that Self-Determination has introduced. They have set the bar high, and other parties have followed suit. I think this will primarily depend on Self-Determination, how they behave and shape political discourse will determine how other Albanian parties in Kosovo adjust," the analyst concluded.