Sopjani: Populism is behind the intention to open the main bridge on the Ibar for vehicles

Lawyer and former chief inspector of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), Shkelzen Sopjani, tells Kosovo Online that he does not believe there is a real possibility of changing the status of the main bridge on the Ibar, and he also doesn't see a reason why the bridge should be opened for vehicular traffic, aside from the symbolism behind it and "a bit of populism" in the context of an election campaign.

"I don't even know what they mean when they say 'opening' the bridge, as it is already open. People can cross it. I have crossed it several times, and there are other bridges where cars can cross and that are used to go to northern Kosovo. I don't see why this bridge should be opened for vehicles, except for the symbolism behind it and likely a bit of populism, especially in the context of the election campaign. It is also very useful for the current government to divert people's attention from real problems and the failures they have had in other areas," Sopjani said.

He emphasizes that nationalism and populism tend to accompany elections in this region because political parties are not mature enough to focus solely on people's problems, instead seeking votes with populist statements.

"NATO, the EU, and the US are aware of this, and they are here to tell the Kosovo government to step away from such an approach and anything else that might complicate the security situation in the region," Sopjani said.