In this text you will be able to read the main developments regarding the activities of political parties on the seventh day of the election campaign for the early parliamentary elections to be held on December 28. About the main promises made by the candidates for prime minister and their accusations against the opposing candidates. The text will be updated throughout the day with the main developments.
Kurti promises the construction of 20 new stadiums in 18 municipalities
The construction of 20 new stadiums in 18 municipalities, an investment worth 250 million euros, has been promised by the Vetëvendosje Movement's candidate for prime minister, Albin Kurti.
On the seventh day of the campaign for the December 28 snap elections, Kurti held a rally in Gjakova, where he emphasized that his government aims to be at the service of citizens and protect families.
"And here we are investing in the city stadium, 9 million euros from the Government, one of the best stadiums that Kosovo will have, Vllaznimi from Gjakova will have. In Gjakova we will build hangars for the KSF aircraft, and we will also build the first ammunition factory in our republic. A year from now, the first cartridges will come out of the factory in Jahoc," Kurti said.
Kurti also spoke about the railway line project that will connect the port of Durres with Pristina, passing through Gjakova and Shkodra.
He emphasized that the state must guarantee investment and economic security, creating conditions for risk to be reduced and the courage to invest to be increased.
He also spoke about the increase in business turnover, saying that it doubled within six years and that this year corporate profits reached 2.3 billion euros.
"Business turnover has doubled in 6 years, it was 12.5 billion in 2019, the first year before the pandemic, because we cannot compare it to the pandemic year that had an economic contraction, and now this year the total turnover of all businesses is 25 billion, from 12.5 to 25 billion, a doubling of business turnover, and this year the profit of corporations in Kosovo is 2.3 billion euros," Kurti said.
In terms of foreign policy, Kurti stated that the United States of America has rejected any idea of exchanging territories.
"Recently, the US put an end to any idea of exchanging territories and called for mutual recognition, the implementation of the Brussels Basic Agreement and the Ohrid Implementation Annex, where the first four articles speak of the recognition of Kosovo by Serbia. We have cooperation with the US regarding military purchases from them," Kurti emphasized.
In other meetings he held on Tuesday, Kurti pledged to add 10 new profiles to dual learning.
He also mentioned the work he has done during his governing mandate, such as the allocation of allowances for children and mothers, which, according to him, will be increased in the next mandate.
Kurti emphasized that during the last mandate, unemployment was reduced to 11 percent and that 85 new jobs were added.
And the year 2026, according to Kurti, will be for the construction of dams and railways. He pledged to build 5 dams.
He also spoke about the main commitments he will make during his next mandate. He promised that over 1 billion euros will be allocated for capital investments each year and 1 billion euros for strengthening the Army of the Republic of Kosovo.
He also said that child allowances will be doubled, the minimum wage will be increased to 500 euros, integrated urban and interurban transportation will be implemented for only 10 euros per month, and digital currency will be functionalized.
During the next mandate, he promised that the digitalization of fiscal registers, the full implementation of the business-to-business electronic invoice, and the real-time supervision of VAT will be carried out. Kurti also spoke about the fight against corruption, emphasizing that his government has the right direction and is not corrupt.
"By spreading economic growth, we have reduced poverty and inequality and increased aggregate demand in the economy, which further increases business turnover and enables further economic growth. So, it is not just a matter of us being uncorrupted and uncorruptible, but we also have the right direction. I believe that they are both corrupt and corruptible, because they have the wrong direction, while we, having the right direction, are not corrupt and will never be corrupt," Kurti emphasized.
Hamza promises price reductions through the removal of VAT on basic food products, medicines and energy
The abolition of the Value Added Tax on basic products has been promised by the leader of the Democratic Party, Bedri Hamza, who is also a candidate for prime minister.
In a video address, he said that the decision will have an impact on the reduction of these products, but also on medicines.
"I will reduce VAT on essential products and for many of them we will make it zero. For example, for bread, milk and its products, cereals, eggs, oil, medicines and so on. This means lower prices, less burden for families and more relief for the budget of every household, because no one should have to fight for the basic things of life. I am Bedri Hamza and this is my mission," said Hamza.
Hamza has said that electricity is not a luxury either, and that he will reduce its price by eliminating VAT, if the government is led by him in the next mandate.
"The price of electricity has become a heavy burden for families and businesses. Bills are increasing, while salaries are not enough. This is social injustice. Therefore, as prime minister, I will abolish VAT. This means a lower bill every month, more peace of mind for families and more convenience for each of you," said Hamza.
The party's deputy leader and candidate for MP, Uran Ismaili, has also spoken about price reductions.
According to him, with Hamza's program, anything is possible.
"We have foreseen the reduction of VAT on essential products, while for many of them the VAT will be zero. Also, VAT will be removed from electricity bills. This means that at the end of the month, citizens will pay less for electricity," Ismaili said in a video on Facebook.
He emphasized that the effects of these measures will not only be felt on family bills, but also on the prices of products and services in the market.
"When electricity bills are lower for our businesses, then the prices of the products we buy from those businesses, or the services we receive, will also be lower," he stated.
Ismaili has invited citizens to support the PDK program and Bedri Hamza for prime minister in the December 28 elections so that these promises can be realized.
"On December 28, support the candidate who has the plan, knowledge and skills to change your life. Vote PDK 130, Bedri Hamza 1 and Uran Ismaili 2. Together. Forward!", said Ismaili.
On Tuesday, the candidate for MP, Vlora Çitaku, also addressed the citizens with a video.
"Kosovo's future is with the democratic world, with our allies, with the West. Integration is not a political word. It is security. It is development, it is hope that young people will not leave. I believe that Kosovo can and should and must move forward and Kosovo has something to offer: a dynamic, educated and connected society with the world, with entrepreneurial energy and a will to innovate. We bring stability to the region, a reliable partnership in security, a clear voice in the protection of democratic values. Kosovo does not only seek to integrate, Kosovo contributes with work, with responsibility and with commitment to peace and international cooperation. For this path we need courage and seriousness, we need experience and credibility. Therefore, on December 28, it is time for a new chapter for Kosovo, the address is PDK - 130", she said.
On Tuesday, PDK campaigned in Pristina and Malisheva.
"On the journey to move Kosovo forward, today in Malisheva I saw the determination, energy and readiness for change that is growing every day. Together with Malisheva, forward for Kosovo!" Hamza wrote.
During the day, he also met with an Albanian boxer who is developing his career abroad – Granit Bylykbashi. Hamza praised the diaspora on this occasion.
"With the WBC Middle East world champion, Granit Bylygbashi, 'The Albanian Stone', a boy from Drenas who lives and competes in Germany, but his heart always stays in Kosovo. Our diaspora produces champions! Together. Forward," Hamza wrote.
Haradinaj: In my government, the priority is membership in the European Union and NATO
Leadership for a state free of international sanctions and with improved relations with Western allies was promised on Tuesday by the leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, who is also this party's candidate for prime minister.
In the AAK program for the December 28 snap elections, Kosovo is expected to "submit a formal request for NATO to establish a liaison office in Pristina, similar to NATO practices for other countries that have been in the membership process," as was the case with North Macedonia.
Haradinaj has pledged to make Kosovo's membership in the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) and the European Union a priority if he is elected prime minister.
"Kosovo's future is not in isolation and sanctions, it is clearly in the West together with the democratic world. In the next Haradinaj Government, Kosovo's priority is membership in the European Union and NATO," Haradinaj wrote in a Facebook post. "In NATO, Kosovo gains: permanent security and long-term peace, a professional army, equipped and of the highest standards, guaranteed protection from any threat to sovereignty and territorial integrity, direct partnership with the US and the most powerful countries in the world, political stability and international credibility, increased role of Kosovo in regional and global security. In the European Union, Kosovo gains: it joins national and cultural values, with its own identity, a much larger market for local products and services, foreign direct investment and new jobs, development funds and support for agriculture, infrastructure and education, functional justice, strong institutions and the rule of law, a European standard of living, social protection and greater rights for citizens, free movement, study and employment opportunities in EU countries, secure prospects for young people, without the need to leave the country."
AAK's candidate for MP, Bekë Berisha, has also pledged to align with Western allies.
He emphasized that AAK aims to be the determinant of the next government and called for mobilization to vote for this political entity.
"In order to return to allies, to return to normality, to return to development, we need to mobilize on the 28th! There will be no more elections for four years. I ask you very much this time. We want to gather votes at number 129, for the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo. I think we can create that critical force to be determinants of the future government, so on the 28th this work will be determined and we are on the right, good and prosperous path, but together we can succeed," he wrote on Facebook.
AAK held an electoral rally in Suhareka on Tuesday, the seventh day of the election campaign. There, the AAK candidate for prime minister made several pledges.
"Suhareka spoke clearly about what he seeks: truth, sustainability, and a vision that leaves no one behind."
"We spoke openly with the citizens of Suhareka about our plan, for a Kosovo in NATO, where the economy is at the service of the people; for safe and affordable energy; for new jobs; for education that prepares young people for life; and for a state that protects and respects its citizens. Suhareka has decided on AAK and the governance in the municipality, on December 28 Suhareka will decide on the Haradinaj government," Haradinaj wrote on Facebook.
AAK's candidate for MP, Daut Haradinaj, had a meeting with citizens in Klina on Tuesday.
"Klina is breathing victory and our brothers and sisters from the diaspora are also joining this spirit."
"The end-of-year holidays have only increased the adrenaline of this city, bringing light, warmth, and excitement everywhere," he wrote in a Facebook post.
Abdixhiku promises strategy for "Trepça" and its modernization
State strategy, serious investments and modernization of the "Trepça" metallurgical complex have been promised by the leader of the Democratic League, Lumir Abdixhiku, who is also a candidate for prime minister.
At the electoral rally held on Tuesday in Mitrovica, he emphasized the role of this city as the bearer of the political, economic and security burden for decades.
"Today, miners face uncertainty, a lack of serious investments, and uncertainty about the future of Trepça. And this is unacceptable. Trepça is not a burden - Trepça is a national strategic asset. It cannot be treated with improvisation, silence, or temporary decisions. Trepça needs a state strategy, serious investments, modernization, and respect for the miners who keep it alive. LDK is clear: Trepça must return to the heart of Kosovo's industrial development, with professional management, transparency, and full state support," Abdixhiku said.
Abdixhiku has also pledged to finalize the Pristina-Mitrovicë road project and emphasized that the LDK program includes major capital projects, including the gasification of Kosovo, and also aims to restore Mitrovica as the country's industrial engine.
"The Democratic League of Kosovo does not promise noise. It promises responsibility."
"Not big words, but necessary solutions. Mitrovica deserves peace, stability and above all development. Strong economic development. And we will walk this path together, step by step," said Abdixhiku.
He has also promised financial support for families, investments in education, health, security and youth employment.
"The economic situation today is difficult and affects different social groups in different ways. Families are facing an increase in the cost of living. Prices have increased, energy has become a burden, while incomes have not kept pace. In an industrial city like Mitrovica, where life has been tied to work, this burden is felt every day," he said.
Abdixhiku also presented the governing program to supporters in Vushtrri, where he repeated the request to support the LDK with votes in the early parliamentary elections on December 28.
"36 years ago, LDK was born as a hope for freedom, democracy and statehood. Today, in Vushtrri, that hope was alive, strong and determined for the future. The belief that this country needs normality, development and responsible leadership was clearly felt. Vushtrri speaks to hardworking people, to families who want security and prospects for their children, to young people who want reasons to stay here. Our program, our commitments and our vision for Kosovo are precisely for them," the LDK leader wrote after the rally in Vushtrri.
Tuesday also marked the 36th anniversary of the founding of the LDK, on which occasion Abdixhiku declared that the elections are decisive and that this decade is of Kosovo's membership in NATO, as well as the journey towards the European Union.
"Today we honor with deep respect all the structures of the Democratic League of Kosovo, in every period and at every level, all those men and women who remained loyal to this house of democracy in the most difficult times and in times of hope. We honor each member and activist who gave their time, knowledge, energy and lives in the service of Kosovo. And with special humility, we honor those who gave the most sacred thing for this house of democracy and for our Republic, sacrificing themselves for freedom and the state," he wrote in a Facebook post.
According to him, the LDK has been and remains a party of the state, not of power, a party of outstretched hand, of unity and historical responsibility.
"In the fourth decade of our existence, our responsibility is greater than ever. Not for the fate of a party, but for the fate of Kosovo. For its Western orientation. For internal unity. For development, normality and hope," Abdixhiku wrote.
In the February 9 elections, this party came third.
Haradinaj: EU and NATO membership a priority
The candidate for prime minister from the AAK, Ramush Haradinaj, has stated that his priority if he becomes head of government will be membership in the European Union and NATO.
Haradinaj emphasized that Kosovo's future does not lie in isolation and sanctions.
"Kosovo's future is not in isolation and sanctions, it is clearly in the West together with the democratic world. In the future Haradinaj Government, Kosovo has membership in the European Union and NATO as a priority. In NATO, Kosovo gains: Permanent security and long-term peace; A professional, equipped army of the highest standards; Guaranteed protection from any threat to sovereignty and territorial integrity; Direct partnership with the US and the most powerful countries in the world; Political stability and international credibility; Increased role of Kosovo in regional and global security," Haradinaj wrote.
Haradinaj also listed the benefits of Kosovo's membership in the European Union.
"In the European Union, Kosovo gains: It unites with national and cultural values, with its own identity; A much larger market for local products and services; Foreign direct investment and new jobs; Development funds and support for agriculture, infrastructure and education; Functional justice, strong institutions and the rule of law; European standard of living, social protection and greater rights for citizens; Free movement, study and employment opportunities in EU countries; Secure prospects for young people, without the need to leave the country," Haradinaj said.
Hamza promises zero VAT for essential products
According to Hamza, this would make prices lower and reduce the burden on every family.
"Prices are rising and the burden is becoming increasingly heavy for every family. In my government, to lower prices and protect purchasing power, VAT will be 0% for essential products. Cheaper food. Dignity for the family. Safety for children," Hamza wrote in a video posted on Facebook.
In another meeting with citizens, Hamza revealed the promise of a 50% increase in pensions and social assistance and a minimum of 250 euros per month for each beneficiary.
"50% increase in pensions and social assistance, with a minimum of €250 per month for each beneficiary. For everyone, without exceptions, dignity, economic security and social justice," wrote PDK's candidate for prime minister, Bedri Hamza, in another Facebook post.
Abdixhiku: This decade is of Kosovo's membership in NATO and the journey towards the EU
Photo: Driton Paçarada
On the 36th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic League of Kosovo, its leader, Lumir Abdixhiku, said that the December 28 elections are defining not only for the party's fourth decade, but also for the aspirations of the people of Kosovo. According to him, this decade is about Kosovo's membership in NATO and its journey towards the European Union.
Abdixhiku said that for three and a half decades, the LDK has represented courage, stability and unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy and statehood, determining not only its political path, but also the fate of Kosovo and the entire nation. Abdixhiku emphasized that the 36th anniversary is a moment of reflection and renewal of commitment to the fundamental values of the LDK, at a time when, according to him, the party bears a special responsibility for the future of the country, especially on the eve of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
"It has been 36 years of courage, perseverance and unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy and statehood, a historic journey that has determined not only the fate of our home of democracy, but the fate of our country and our entire nation. We honor the legacy of those who laid the foundations of this great movement, as we reflect on the long and tiring, yet unrepeatable, path that we have described for 36 consecutive years. We find the moment to renew once again our commitment to the values and principles that continue to guide us today," he said.
Speaking about the historical circumstances of the founding of the LDK, Abdixhiku recalled the period of 1989 and the role of the founding leaders.
"36 years ago, exactly on December 23, the year of European change, 1989, in an atmosphere of repression and despair, a group of visionaries dared to dream of a different future for Kosovo. They dreamed of freedom, they dreamed of democracy, they dreamed of independence, and in all this dreaming they founded the LDK, the first and only pro-independence formation of the people of Kosovo. At the head of this covenant, of this popular movement, stood our historic leader, the founding father of the state of Kosovo, the historic president Ibrahim Rugova," he said.
Abdixhiku said that the LDK today bears a great political responsibility for the orientation of the country in the coming years. "We have not only the honor and privilege, but we also have a great responsibility to determine our political destiny in this part of the remaining decade. I feel a great responsibility in the role that the LDK should have in the Kosovar political scene, not for its own political destiny as a party, but for the destiny of the future of Kosovo, especially today, especially now, especially on the eve of the upcoming parliamentary elections," he said.
In this context, he said that the upcoming elections are decisive for the country's strategic path.
"Because in these elections, not only the fourth decade of our League is determined, but also the fourth decade of the aspirations of the people of Kosovo. This decade is of NATO membership, of the journey to the EU, a decade of development and modernization," said Abdixhiku.
Peci calls the new bridge in Mitrovica "Albin's Bridge"
The Mayor of Mitrovica, Faton Peci, called the new bridge over the Ibar River "Albin's Bridge" in a video he published on Tuesday together with the acting Minister of Industry, Hysen Durmishi.
Peci and Durmishi have invited citizens to gather on the 24th to turn on the lights on this new pedestrian bridge.
"We are here from the most beautiful bridge in Kosovo, the Albin Bridge, together with my colleague Minister Hysen Durmishi, who made life easier for the citizens of Mitrovica with investments in the Pristina-Mitrovicë road and the construction of the most beautiful bridge in Kosovo," Peci said in the video.
On December 17, a new pedestrian bridge was inaugurated over the Ibar River to connect South and North Mitrovica. It was the second bridge, after the one for cars opened in August.
However, the main bridge over the Ibar River was closed in 1999 and has never been fully functional since. Since 2011, it has been open to pedestrians but not to vehicles - the only ones that cross it are KFOR vehicles.