Summary of the week 44

After a period of desires, we have entered the phase of promises. The extent to which one is convincing in their promises to fulfill them determines the support they will soon gain. After tallying this support, a new phase follows. Fulfilling promises or facing disappointment. In this week's compilation, we tally both.

After several months of promises throughout America, it only took a minute to realize the first. Some fear the implementation of these promises, while others like them and would at least want to copy parts. American promises for an American audience, analysts believe.

"One of Trump's first messages concerned Greenland," says security expert and retired colonel Hisen Gecaj. "The issues of Kosovo and Greenland and Denmark have no direct connections and cannot be replicated."

We don’t have to travel far for promises these days. We have them here, all around us. Stefan Surlic from the Faculty of Political Sciences assesses the messages of both the government and the opposition in Kosovo:

"There is no magic wand, both the parties and voters know that. That’s why there’s a race of unrealistic promises by both the government and the opposition," says Surlic.

Unrealistic promises are nothing new to us. However, it is concerning when political messages and encouragements are sent along with promises, especially if they come from influential countries.

"I am worried about European policies of appeasement towards Kurti," says Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

"I am concerned about their announcements that they will allow them into the Council of Europe and other organizations, despite all unilateral actions," adds Vucic.

Because of these announcements, some are worried, and others disappointed. Even if realistic, such promises are unnecessary, say Kosovo analysts.

Analyst from South Mitrovica, Nexhmedin Spahiu criticizes the initiative for Kosovo to receive special guest status.

"There's no need to seek such status. It’s a wrong move in foreign policy," he adds. "It should be full membership or nothing!"

Exclusive in plans and decisions. Some are such because they rely on promises, and others because they have no alternative. Returnees in villages in Metohija have no doubts about whether to stay:

"Where else would we go?" responds Tomislav Simonovic from Gorazdevac.

As ballots are printed and final messages sent, analysts call for reliance not on promises, but on experience.

"We have tried all parties in Kosovo. Both Albanian and Serbian. So, citizens should choose those parties that do what they promise," advises the president of the Kosovo Business Alliance, Agim Shahini.

In politics, as in life, moments of joy, hope, and sadness alternate. Therefore, enjoy the period of promises, because it is usually followed by a phase of disappointment.