The Kosovo Business Alliance (AKB) has strongly criticized the decision of the Municipality of Prishtina to close down the premises of Visari sh.p.k, a company that has been operating inside the Youth Palace for more than 17 years and employs over 25 workers.
AKB President Agim Shahini condemned the move as “hasty and unsustainable for business”, warning that it endangers both the company and its employees. He urged municipal authorities to extend the deadline until the end of the year so that the company can find a new location.
“This business has operated here for more than 20 years and employs over 20 workers. The deadline to vacate the premises is far too short. We requested that the Municipality extend the deadline until the New Year so the company can relocate. This sudden closure creates unnecessary hardship. Kosovo is becoming an unsuitable place for businesses,” Shahini said.
The company’s lawyer, Genc Humolli, described the decision as illegal and in violation of the lease contract, stressing that Visari sh.p.k has regularly paid rent for over two decades.
“Based on Kosovo’s laws, this decision breaches the contract, specifically Article 3, which grants the tenant the right to extend the lease for another six months. These tenants have been here for 20 years without incident. The sudden closure not only blocks the premises but also unlawfully displaces more than 25 workers,” Humolli stated.
Company representative Visar Malazogu voiced deep concern over the livelihoods of employees, stressing that 25 workers risk losing their salaries with no alternative location secured.
“We are facing an extraordinary problem. With the closure of this venue, 25 people will remain without pay. The Municipality has not provided us with any short-term solution or alternative premises,” Malazogu said.
