Baraliu: Kosovo's public opinion divided between Kamala and Trump

University professor from Pristina, Mazllum Baraliu, stated for Kosovo Online that public opinion in Kosovo is divided regarding the new US president, though he believes that the election of Kamala Harris would be a more suitable solution than the re-election of Donald Trump.

"Some people are convinced that the Democrats will contribute more to democracy here, not only in Kosovo but across the Balkans and beyond. Others believe that the Republicans, led by Trump, would be more operational and decisive… Public opinion among the people of Kosovo is divided," Baraliu says.

He notes that it is entirely uncertain what policies the new US president will bring, regardless of who wins.

However, he describes Trump as an atypical president who pursued a more "America First" policy, while simultaneously holding the view that "everyone should mind their own business."

"I'm not certain what the election of either candidate will mean for us, knowing that Trump’s administration was atypical, even, if you like, more ‘America First,’ more isolationist, rather than one that promoted and developed democracy or upheld democratic values and principles globally. Trump has a different perspective, he believes everyone should mind their own affairs. For this reason, I think no one truly knows what policies, whether from the Democrats or Republicans, these elections will bring," the analyst contends.

On the other hand, he believes that the election of Kamala Harris would be the most appropriate outcome.

"Given that she was highly successful as a prosecutor in California, I think she has a strong sense of justice and democracy, being part of the Democratic Party, and also because she is a woman, which I see as an additional value, without intending to diminish anyone else. So, I think that, for America and the world at this moment, the most suitable solution would be if she were to win, though that ultimately depends on the American voters. We will see what happens, but whoever wins, I believe that America will remain a central pillar of democracy," Baraliu concludes.