Kurti's provocation in Tetovo shows that he dreams of more than an independent Kosovo

Supporters of Albin Kurti depict him as a "little Zelensky," but in reality, he behaves more like a little Napoleon: he eagerly accepted the title of "Prime Minister of all Albanians," as labeled by leaders of Macedonian opposition parties during his visit to Tetovo and Skopje. During these events, symbols of Greater Albania were celebrated, and its greatest advocate, Adem Demaci, even had a street named after him in North Macedonia's capital city. Analysts assert that only the West can halt Kurti's political maneuvers as well as corruption scandals, Blic reports.

Wherever he goes and whatever he does, Kurti escalates tensions. This was the case a few days ago when he attended events in North Macedonia, including the renaming of Skopje's Second Macedonian Brigade Street to Adem Demaci Street. He was an Albanian extremist who spent 28 years in Yugoslav prisons for advocating an independent Kosovo.

Everything leading up to this, from presenting Kurti as the "Prime Minister of all Albanians" to showcasing symbols of Greater Albania, triggered strong reactions from officials in North Macedonia as well as in Serbia. This raises the question: how long will Kurti play the role of the instigator of tensions in the region, and who can thwart his efforts?

Zoran Milivojevic, a diplomat, highlights that Kurti is implementing his, and also his movement's, Self-Determination, political platform.

"The core of this platform is the idea of a Greater Albania. That's his creed. In this sense, during his visit to North Macedonia, he only met with opposition parties that shared his ideological views. Let's not forget that Kurti also has his party in Albania, where he participated in local and parliamentary elections but didn't fare very well," Milivojevic reminds.

According to him, since becoming prime minister, Kurti "has been promoting the concept of a Greater Albania."

"Renaming the street in Skopje to Adem Demaci is a symbol of Kurti's visit to North Macedonia. Interestingly, so far, there hasn't been any Western reaction to this visit, even though it has impacted the entire Western Balkans region. I think the West won't react, as the Albanians are the most loyal allies of the West when it comes to suppressing Russian and Chinese influence in the Western Balkans," Milivojevic assesses.

Milivojevic believes that Kurti's visit to Tetovo jeopardizes the approach to de-escalation in the region.

"If there is no Western reaction to this visit, tensions will rise again. Kurti does two things with his policy. First, he implements the idea of Greater Albania, and second, he affects the security of the entire region. The only ones who can stop him are those who sponsor Kosovo's statehood, which are the Western centers of power," Milivojevic concludes.

On the other hand, Fatmir Sheholli, the director of the Institute for Affirmation of Interethnic Relations, "sheds a different light" on Kurti's visit to North Macedonia.

"Kurti didn't visit Skopje and Tetovo as a prime minister but as an ordinary citizen of Kosovo. Albin Kurti isn't the prime minister of all Albanians. Displaying Albanian symbols is regulated by the laws and constitution of Macedonia, so I don't see any problem with that. I believe that Kurti's messages should be in line with European currents, not only in Skopje and Tetovo but everywhere. I would like to see Kurti visiting the Presevo Valley in Serbia as well and sending messages of peace, stabilization, and equal treatment for all citizens regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation," Sheholli states.

As he says, Kurti's government in Kosovo faces numerous corruption scandals.

"Attempts to make statements that are of no significance can't hide these scandals, and resignations from his government pour in every week," Sheholli concludes.

Upon seeing the aftermath of his visit to Tetovo and Skopje, Kurti attempted to present himself as a "naive peacemaker."

"I consider the Republic of North Macedonia a partner, ally, and friend. It aims for European integration like us, and it is a NATO member, and we have NATO here. This shows that our relations are excellent," Kurti stated.

He claims that meetings with the mayors of Tetovo and Chair will not harm anyone.

"These meetings weren't held as gatherings against anyone. With good relations among us, no one will suffer. I won't comment on other statements, but we've always expressed a willingness to cooperate," Kurti added.