Slovenian Albanian societies condemn PM Janša's remarks on Kosovo workers

The Association of Albanian Societies has issued a strong condemnation of Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša following remarks made at a managers' congress in Portorož. During his speech, Janša criticized the import of cheap foreign labor, specifically citing a worker from Kosovo employed in a municipal company on a minimum wage. Janša stated that such a worker, who also brings a family to the country, provides no ‘added value from a national perspective.’

The Association, led by Flurina Ametaj, demanded a retraction and an apology, arguing that the comments are discriminatory and demeaning to Albanians in Slovenia. The group emphasized that the Albanian community contributes significantly to the nation as entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, and artists, paying taxes and social contributions. They characterized the Prime Minister's assessment of human value based on origin and income as ‘class-based humiliation’ and a reduction of individuals to mere figures in a national balance sheet.

Janša's comments also addressed broader migration policy, noting that approximately 150,000 work permits were issued to foreigners last year. Critics argue his rhetoric specifically targets the Albanian community, despite the presence of other significant migrant groups from the former Yugoslavia.