Summary of the Week 81

Months of the gradual dismantling of political stability in Kosovo cannot be repaired overnight — especially when institutional reconstruction has not even begun. Deadlines are no longer being counted, since none of them seem to move either the politicians or society forward. Where things came to a halt nearly nine months ago, on the eve of the previous parliamentary elections, is exactly where they remain this week.

Deadlines are expiring, the circle is closing, but there is still no resolution. There is, however, plenty of inspiration — new ideas, new meetings. These are talks meant to revive what has been collapsing for months.

“In addition to burning all bridges between himself, his party, and the Albanian administration, Kurti has also burned all bridges between the Serbian and Albanian communities,” explained historian Stefan Radojkovic, describing why recovery is proving so difficult.

Bridges have both been destroyed and built. The government’s mandate is nearly over, yet, as seen this week in northern Kosovo, there is still plenty of material — for building schools and for tearing down walls and laws anew.

“A particular absurdity,” said Nemanja Bisevac from the Serb List, “is that the cornerstone was laid directly by Sveçla, who is both a member of parliament and a minister — which is in contradiction with all laws.”

University professor Nexhmedin Spahiu also commented on the recurring issue of “cornerstones” in North Mitrovica.

“Whether these acts were in accordance with the law or not, I cannot claim,” Spahiu told Kosovo Online. “But the school is more than necessary,” he added.

Everything deemed unnecessary or harmful will be annulled. For stable foundations, new mayors believe, everything that has destabilized relations among residents in the north must be torn down.

However, Assistant Professor Dusan Celic from the Faculty of Law warned:

“There is no reason for euphoria. The damage inflicted by Albanian representatives in the previous mandate, I fear, is irreversible,” Celic said.

Economists caution that damage is being counted across all sectors. Due to delays in reaching solutions, businesses are failing, investments are leaving, and plans are collapsing.

“Given the current political developments in Kosovo and the situation within the European Union,” explained Agim Shahini, President of the Kosovo Business Alliance, “I don’t see how that money could possibly come to Kosovo.”

Too little, too late — this is how observers describe the attempt to build new bridges with the oldest generation by increasing pensions. Meanwhile, other bridges and monuments, as seen yesterday in Serbian cemeteries across Kosovo, have been destroyed — seemingly for good.