A protest against the announced increase in electricity tariffs is being held today, with organizers calling on citizens to participate in large numbers.
Activist Qendresa Hyseni said the protest aims to prevent the proposed 21.3 percent increase in electricity tariffs requested by KESCO. She warned that approving this request by the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO/ZRRE) would directly affect citizens’ cost of living.
“For us, it is very important not to stop, as citizens, in demanding that the decision to increase electricity prices is not taken, because this automatically affects quality of life and raises living costs if electricity bills increase by 20 percent,” she said.
Hyseni also warned of further actions should a decision on higher electricity prices be approved.
“This protest will serve as the beginning of other actions until our demands are met and the decision is suspended. The protest is for all citizens—everyone has the right to protest in the way they see as appropriate and necessary,” she added.
Opposition to KESCO’s request for higher electricity tariffs was also voiced on Thursday by the youth wing of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), through a symbolic action held in front of the Ministry of Economy. Under the slogan “Energy is not a luxury,” activists from the PDK Youth carried electricity bills in their hands as a sign of protest.
“We did not come today with banners. We came with a bill. A bill that suffocates citizens’ lives every month. A family in Kosovo with a monthly income of €1,000 has basic expenses of €1,085. No luxury. No holidays. No savings. Just bread. Just electricity. Just heating. Just rent, medicine, and school for children. Minus €85 every month. Every month begins with debt. Every month ends with fear,” said Trim Syla, head of the Democratic Youth of Kosovo (RDK).
Today’s protest is organized by the Collective for Feminist Thought and Action, in cooperation with the organization “Përpjekja.”
Following its review of KESCO’s request, ERO is expected to decide in March whether electricity tariffs will increase or not.
