Businesses and private sector workers in Kosovo are holding a peaceful protest in Prishtina today, calling for a transition period in the process of entering the free energy market. Organized by Kosovo’s chambers of commerce and industry, the protest is a direct reaction to the Energy Regulatory Office’s (ERO) decision to implement free market rules for electricity starting June 1. Organizers warn this premature move threatens the survival of many businesses.
Key Demands and Concerns
Protesters displayed signs with messages like “Don’t leave us jobless,” “Rapid electricity liberalization – monopoly, not competition,” and “Don’t multiply our bills.”
Skënder Krasniqi, head of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that businesses’ demands are clear and reasonable. He highlighted that over four years, Kosovo’s imports have increased 800% more than exports, warning of severe economic consequences if this trend continues. Krasniqi also pointed out that while the government recently allocated over €30 million for public sector salaries, the private sector needs a similar amount to safeguard 150,000 jobs and prevent closures.
Lulëzim Rafuna, head of the Kosovo Economic Chamber, emphasized that businesses are not seeking charity but a right. He urged the government and ERO to intervene swiftly to prevent negative impacts on the private sector and citizens’ living standards. “We are not to blame that the market is not prepared, we don’t have competition, we have a monopoly,” Rafuna said. “We want a free market, we want competition, but we want to enter voluntarily, not by force.”
Rafuna reiterated the key demand: ERO must suspend the decision within 10 days, and the government should support businesses.
Broader Appeals for Reflection
Kushtrim Ajvazi, head of the Association of Kosovo Producers, also appealed to the acting government and ERO to reflect on businesses’ demands. “There is no transition when there is no competition in the free market. Please don’t force us to raise prices, respect the law,” he urged. “Energy is for development, not for the destruction of manufacturing businesses. Please react before it’s too late.”
Adem Qorrolli, another speaker, called for support for businesses, emphasizing their role in building the country and providing jobs. Many citizens also joined the protest, expressing support and stating that demonstrations will continue until their demands are met, particularly regarding concerns about unaffordable price increases.
This protest follows a similar demonstration on May 29, when businesses blocked entry and exit points in Prishtina to express their dissatisfaction with the rapid transition to the free electricity market.
