Shaip Kamberi, the Albanian deputy in the Serbian Parliament, has declined an invitation from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to participate in consultations for forming the new Serbian government.
Kamberi stated that Albanians remain the most discriminated minority in Serbia during Vučić’s 13 years in power and that he sees no justification in taking part in what he calls a “false democratic process.”
“I informed the President that I do not find it reasonable to be part of a deceptive democratic process, merely for formality, while my compatriots remain an extremely marginalized minority within the state system over the past 13 years,” Kamberi wrote on social media.
Systemic Discrimination Against Albanians in Serbia
Kamberi also listed several ongoing issues affecting the Albanian community in Serbia, emphasizing the lack of meaningful engagement by Vučić-led governments:
- Revocation of Residency: The systematic removal of Albanians from Serbia’s civil registry continues.
- Non-Recognition of Diplomas: Degrees from Kosovo universities are still not recognized, forcing many young Albanians from the Preševo Valley to leave.
- Employment Discrimination: Public institutions remain inaccessible for Albanians, with job opportunities severely restricted.
- Hate Speech: Despite Vučić’s promises to address it, hate speech against Albanians remains prevalent among high-ranking Serbian officials.
- Underdevelopment: Preševo, Bujanovac, and Medveđa remain among the least developed municipalities in Serbia.
- Unemployment of Medical Professionals: Despite working tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Albanian doctors in Preševo have not been given permanent contracts.
- Exclusion from Law Enforcement: No Albanian officers have been hired in the local police forces of Preševo, Bujanovac, and Medveđa for years.
Kamberi’s decision to reject Vučić’s invitation underscores the deep-seated tensions between the Serbian government and the Albanian minority, highlighting continued grievances over political and social discrimination.
