Kadriaj: Populist claims about Kosovo’s endangerment have greatly harmed the economy

Economic expert from Pristina, Mustafa Kadriaj, stated that claims made by Pristina officials about Kosovo’s endangerment and potential conflicts are populist statements that have caused significant harm to the country’s economy.

“The Kosovo government's claims have never been sustainable, and I have pointed this out multiple times myself. Kosovo is in no way threatened by any state because it is protected by international forces, specifically KFOR. With such statements, the Kosovo government has actually harmed itself, because when a foreign investor senses, or even suspects, some kind of threat or instability, it is completely normal for them to withdraw,” Kadriaj told Kosovo Online.

He asserts that this is purely government populism.

“This is about government populism, an attempt to present itself as working in Kosovo’s interest, when in reality, it serves more as a means of gaining political points rather than addressing the real interests of the state or its citizens,” Kadriaj emphasized.

He adds that while such a propaganda campaign may be legitimate, it damages the economy and creates serious consequences.

“These statements have caused great harm to the country’s economy because, like any other state, Kosovo relies on investments. When investments are made, economic and regional cooperation increases, which in turn would help the countries of the region and the Western Balkans as a whole move closer to joining the European Union,” the economic analyst concluded.