Summary of the Week 61

Whether in parliament, on a construction site, in a suit or wearing a helmet… in front of a domestic audience or foreign guests — the circumstances keep changing for those striving to win favor. And in line with whose favor they seek, the tactics shift too. More in this week’s Compilation.

It's a performance for the audience, but strategy is never far behind. No one knows what comes next, but the caretaker prime minister has chosen his playbook.

"Mr. Kurti will seek to hold local and parliamentary elections simultaneously," says political analyst Gezim Kasapolli. "He will," Kasapolli believes, "try to sell his image, his persona, his myth to the voters."

The image we have of ourselves often appears grand in our own minds. But a true assessment only comes when we present ourselves to others — and listen for the audience’s approval.

Aleksandar Sljuka sums up what the audience — the public — has experienced in recent months:

"We have essentially seen more escalation than de-escalation from Kosovo officials," says Sljuka from the New Social Initiative.

Who stirs unrest, and who restores peace? Roles quickly reverse when the crowd is loud and resolute, as seen just days ago during the high school graduation parade in Mitrovica.

"The police reacted to prevent greater disturbances of public order in the best way possible," explains Veton Elshani, defending the police’s actions, which triggered strong reactions that day.

When there are neither judges nor audience, the rules become easy to bend — observers and analysts note.

"Given the lack of a strong response from the EU, the international community, or ambassadors in Pristina, we can truly expect anything," says Aktiv NGO associate Zoran Savic.

Expectations, experts advise, should be quickly redirected. Between arbiters, mediators, observers, and allies, the lines often blur. The role of the messages delivered during Kaja Kallas’s visit remains to be interpreted.

"The subtle message is that the European Union lacks the capacity to compel Kurti to behave better. Brussels has neither the carrot nor the stick," says historian Stefan Radojkovic.

Europe has its own agenda, and each side has its arguments and cards to play. Though they’ve clashed many times, they’ve never come closer. Still, the audience keeps hoping.

"Compromise is possible, but very selectively. And only where Kosovo sees interest," notes political scientist Ognjen Gogic.

The general interest should always rise above the individual one. Though justice enjoys the broadest support, the path to it can be paved without an audience — and without the accused.

"Trials in absentia are challenging because it's difficult to ensure an effective defense for those not present," says lawyer Amer Aliu.

Presence, as we’ve seen in Kosovo’s parliament for weeks now, is not always a guarantee of success. But it clearly reflects the current mood of the audience.