Baraliu: The government in Kosovo must be open to civil society

Professor of Constitutional Law, Mazllum Baraliu, stated that the government in Kosovo must be open to cooperation with civil society organizations and associations, emphasizing that this should be a virtue at all levels of governance.

Commenting on Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s decision not to meet with representatives of the Albanian-American Council, Baraliu said that the reason for this decision remains unclear but stressed that every government should listen to and adopt suggestions from the civil sector, especially from associations that support Kosovo’s key goals.

"Kurti should be asked why the meeting did not take place, whether he was busy or had another reason. However, I firmly believe that cooperation between any government, including Kosovo’s, and civil society, especially organizations focused on the well-being of citizens and the promotion of positive societal goals, should be open," Baraliu stated.

He emphasized that one of the key virtues, but also duties, of any leader, regardless of their level of authority, from local governments to the presidency and the national government, is to engage with, address demands, and resolve societal issues, including those concerning civil society and organizational models of social communities.

"Leaders should engage with and acknowledge demands, assess and resolve societal problems, including those of civil society and social community organizations, in this case, in Kosovo. This means that such organizations have certain demands that deserve attention. That is my principled position," Baraliu concluded.

The Director of the Albanian-American Council, Martin Vulaj, expressed disappointment following the organization’s visit to the region, stating that Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti ignored their invitation for a meeting.