Trainkos wagon repairs in Serbia spark political controversy in Kosovo

Trainkos train wagon repair public procurement Kosovo politics Serbia subcontracting

Acting Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli has addressed controversies regarding the repair of Trainkos passenger wagons in Serbia. Rizvanolli clarified that Trainkos issued an open tender for the rehabilitation, which was won by Profitech, a Kosovo-based company from Pristina. She emphasized that under current public procurement laws, Trainkos cannot legally dictate the choice of subcontractors used by the winning private operator.

While acknowledging that wagons were sent to Zrenjanin, Serbia, for repairs, Rizvanolli noted that this practice dates back to 2017. She stated that Trainkos will conduct an independent assessment to determine if these repairs can be performed in other countries to address public concerns.

The issue has sparked significant political friction. Former deputy Daut Haradinaj criticized the government, alleging that the administration is allowing Serbian influence to increase within Kosovo's economic sectors. Meanwhile, former Infrastructure Minister Pal Lekaj has threatened legal action against Rizvanolli for defamation, disputing her claims regarding his involvement in previous repair procedures in 2017.

Entities

Albin Kurti · Artane Rizvanolli · Daut Haradinaj · Kosovo · Maria Zakharova · Pal Lekaj · Profitech · Serbia · Trainkos

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Artane Rizvanolli stated that train wagons were first sent to Zrenjanin, Serbia, for repairs in 2017. orainfo.net · 24-ore.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Visar Korenica claims he informed Prime Minister Albin Kurti about the wagon renovation contract in Serbia but received no response.
[● 5 SOURCES] Daut Haradinaj claims there is evidence of Serbian experts working at Trainkos. lajmi.net · lajmpress.org · faktiditor.ch
[● 2 SOURCES] A Trainkos commission traveled to the Shin Voz d.o.o. workshop in Zrenjanin, Serbia, on October 6, 2024. orainfo.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Trainkos executive Agron Statovci requested that employee Asdren Ademi provide written proof regarding claims of repairs in Serbia. lajmi.net
[● 2 SOURCES] Burim Ramadani alleges that government-linked officials visited Serbia in 2024.