Rajic: The identity topics defined by Kurti will dominate the Albanian political scene for a long time

Predrag Rajic from the Center for Social Stability says that, although there have been Albanian political factors in Kosovo in the past that were willing to negotiate with the Serbian side, currently there is hardly a party with which a concrete agreement could be reached that would involve considering the genuine interests of the Serbian side. As he explains, Albin Kurti has significantly raised the bar in Albanian society in Kosovo, and the issues he has defined, such as identity-related topics, will dominate the Albanian political scene for a long time.

"We must acknowledge that there were political options among the Kosovo Albanians that were at least willing to engage in dialogue. For example, we had the Washington Agreement signed during the previous administration, both in Washington and Pristina. It was possible to negotiate on certain issues. I'm not saying that it was something spectacularly different. But other political factors in Kosovo were willing, if nothing else, to negotiate at some stages and on some specific issues. With Kurti, that is impossible, literally even on issues of a technical nature," Rajic says for Kosovo Online.

Even if there were a change of government after the parliamentary elections in Kosovo, Rajic does not believe that it would bring about flexibility in terms of cooperation with the Serbs.

"Kurti has significantly raised the bar in Albanian society in Kosovo. It's hard to imagine someone doing now what Kurti hasn't, and we've seen what he's like when he's in opposition, both he and his party would eagerly await the chance to overthrow the government, just as they did when they were in opposition, especially on those issues. The issues he has defined as identity-related topics will dominate the Albanian political scene for a long time. Unfortunately, that political scene will be fueled by a kind of unhealthy nationalism, and Kurti, who raises the bar for himself, simultaneously raises it for other political entities among the Kosovo Albanians. Even if there is a willingness among other factors to improve relations with the Serbs, the question is whether they could carry it through to the end when they have Kurti or his political option against them, which is a relevant factor even when in opposition," Rajic said.