Albin Kurti addresses war victims report, party disputes and economy in Kosovo

Albin Kurti war victims report LDK internal dispute Kosovo economy NDI survey

Albanian Prime Minister Albin Kurti presented a new Institute for War Crimes report documenting 12,230 war victims in Kosovo between January 1998 and June 1999, including 1,047 children killed, and called on Serbia to open military archives. Institute director Atdhe Hetemi said more than 80 % of Albanian victims were civilians and 52.4 % were armed personnel.

A recent NDI survey shows rising pessimism among Kosovars: 38 % think the country is heading in the wrong direction and 28 % would consider permanent emigration, especially among 18‑24‑year‑olds. High living‑costs, energy prices and unemployment remain the main concerns.

Within the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), internal conflict surfaced as Secretary Ilir Ferati denounced the call for an extraordinary congress as ill‑timed, while party member Florian Dushi called the notion of a joint opposition coalition with the PDK a “fabrication” of the party president. Other LDK figures expressed worry about factionalism and declining election performance.

The government’s economic picture also worsened: new business registrations fell for a third consecutive month to 1,092 in June, while 107 firms closed, narrowing the net increase to 985. Regional differences were noted, with Pristina gaining registrations while Gjakova and Prizren saw declines.

Finally, Kurti led a commemorative academy for the 25th anniversary of KLA commander Tahir Sinani, describing him as one of the most distinguished fighters of the national cause and highlighting his post‑war involvement in the Preshevo Valley and the 2001 Macedonian conflict.

Entities: Albin Kurti · Alliance · American gas · Ardian Gjini · Atdhe Hetemi · Florian Dushi · Ilir Ferati · Kosovo · National Democratic Institute · Tahir Sinani

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 4 SOURCES] 41.1% of respondents cite corruption as a major threat to democracy. (NDI poll)
[● 4 SOURCES] 38% of surveyed Kosovars think Kosovo is heading in the wrong direction. (NDI poll)
[● 4 SOURCES] 28% of surveyed Kosovars would leave Kosovo permanently if they could. (NDI poll)
[● 4 SOURCES] 56.6% of respondents cite high product prices as a main concern. (NDI poll)
[● 4 SOURCES] 43.8% of respondents cite high energy bills as a main concern. (NDI poll)
[● 4 SOURCES] Ardian Gjini proposes a six‑point plan that includes investing in American gas, building a new thermal power plant, cutting VAT on food and hygiene products for women and children, abolishing property (Ardian Gjini statements)
[● 3 SOURCES] 44% of 18‑24‑year‑old respondents say they would emigrate from Kosovo. (NDI poll)
[● 4 SOURCES] 40.2% of respondents cite unemployment as a main concern. (NDI poll)
[○ 1 SOURCE] 38 % of Kosovars think the country is heading in the wrong direction, according to an NDI poll. (a9c7f414)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ilir Ferati, LDK secretary, said the extraordinary congress was called at the worst possible time. (fa516358)
[● 3 SOURCES] Albanian Prime Minister Albin Kurti described Tahir Sinani as one of the most distinguished fighters of the national cause. (98cdb1f0, ff540ad9, 9850e2da)
[○ 1 SOURCE] 28 % of Kosovars would permanently emigrate if they could, according to the same poll. (a9c7f414)