On April 7, 2025, key war veteran organizations in Kosovo, including the Organization of War Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), the Association of War Invalids, and the Association of Families of Fallen Soldiers, officially announced that they will not participate in the government’s official Kosovo Liberation Day celebrations on June 12.
The decision comes as a direct response to what the veteran groups describe as the “disrespectful and dismissive” attitude shown by Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government towards the war veterans and their families since taking office.
The statement, issued by the organizations, expressed their frustration, saying: “We reject the invitation to participate. True respect for the sacrifice and contribution to freedom is demonstrated through actions, not words.”
This decision to withdraw from the annual commemoration marks a significant escalation in tensions between the veterans and the government. The veterans argue that their role in Kosovo’s independence has been consistently undermined since Kurti’s government assumed power. The boycott highlights the ongoing political and social challenges surrounding the recognition of war veterans’ contributions to Kosovo’s liberation.
With the government’s official commemoration approaching, this boycott is set to add to the growing political divide and public dissatisfaction with the current administration’s treatment of war heroes.
