15 July 2023, Mumbai: Fistfights broke out at the Kosovo parliament and water was thrown at the prime minister, Albin Kurti, following a heated three-day public debate surrounding an audio recording involving a ruling party member and an official from the Serb-majority north. The opposition in Kosovo has long criticized Prime Minister Kurti’s handling of tensions in the region, which has strained relations with Western allies, the United States and the European Union.
Unrest in Northern Kosovo Strains Relations and Tests Prime Minister’s Leadership
The unrest in the northern part of Kosovo has escalated, particularly since ethnic Albanian mayors took office after April elections that the Serb community boycotted, demanding the implementation of a decade-old autonomy agreement. With ethnic Albanians comprising 90% of the population and Serbs accounting for about 5%, the situation has become increasingly tense. During a session at the parliament, an opposition party MP threw water at Prime Minister Kurti and his deputy, triggering a brawl between lawmakers from both sides.
Chaotic Scene Unfolds as Water Thrown at Prime Minister in Parliament Brawl
The chaotic scene unfolded as the parliament session continued, with lawmakers attacking each other until police intervention was required. The intense debate followed the release of an audio recording by online media outlet Nacionale, featuring a conversation between the chairwoman of Kurti’s party, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, and Serb lawmaker Slavko Simic.
Audio Recording Release Adds Fuel to Tensions in Kosovo’s Political Landscape
The audio, recorded in June of the previous year, revealed discussions concerning a phone call between Kusari and a sanctioned Serb official involved in organized crime and corruption, Milan Radojcic, who is also wanted by Kosovo authorities.
Condemnation Follows Violent Incident at Parliament, Session Delayed
The violence witnessed at the Kosovo parliament has been widely condemned, with Glauk Konjufca, the speaker of the parliament, describing it as unacceptable and emphasizing the punishment for the use of violence. As a result, the session was delayed for two hours. On a separate note, Prime Minister Kurti announced an agreement with the European Union to reduce the police presence in northern Kosovo and implement other measures aimed at lowering tensions.
NATO Reports Injuries in Clashes, Doctors Treat Serbs in the North
The clashes and unrest have caused significant injuries, with NATO reporting that 93 of its peacekeeping soldiers were hurt in clashes with Serb protesters on May 29. Additionally, 52 Serbs were injured according to doctors in the northern region. The situation in Kosovo remains highly volatile as the government grapples with the challenge of addressing tensions in the north and maintaining stability in the country.