Vučić claims Kurti sees Serbian List as his "biggest enemy" ahead of Kosovo elections

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has accused Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of viewing the Serbian List as his biggest political threat. As Kosovo heads towards elections on February 9, Vučić claims Kurti is working to prevent the party’s participation, calling it a "divisive force" in the country’s political landscape.

Jan 5, 2025 - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has intensified political tensions ahead of Kosovo's parliamentary elections, claiming that Kosovo's Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, sees the Serbian List—Kosovo’s largest party representing the Serbian community—as his "biggest enemy."

Speaking at a government meeting, Vučić accused Kurti of trying to prevent the Serbian List from participating in the elections. "Kurti doesn’t want the Serbian List involved; it’s a dividing force for him," Vučić said. "The Serbian List is his greatest enemy."

The Serbian List has been a powerful political force in Kosovo, especially in Serb-majority areas. The party has previously boycotted Kosovo's political processes, saying that the government’s policies have undermined the rights of ethnic Serbs.

As the February 9 elections approach, the Serbian List faces legal challenges. Kosovo’s Election Appeals Panel (PZAP) has rejected an appeal to disqualify the party, but Kurti's Self-Determination Movement (LVV) continues to challenge its participation. LVV argues that because the Serbian List does not recognise Kosovo's independence, it should not be allowed to run.

Vučić warned that Serbia would put more pressure on Kosovo over this issue, suggesting that tensions could increase in the coming weeks. He also emphasized the importance of the Serbian List’s role in Kosovo’s political environment.

The European Union has raised concerns about the political nature of the certification process, warning that interfering with it could harm Kosovo's international standing.

Kosovo's independence, declared in 2008, is still a controversial issue, particularly in areas where Serbs make up a large part of the population.