The mayor of Presheva, Ardita Sinani, has raised alarm over what she describes as the worsening situation of Albanians in the Preševo Valley, claiming that Serbia is applying “modern methods of silent ethnic cleansing” that are leading to the gradual depopulation of the municipalities of Preshevë, Bujanoc and Medvegjë.
Speaking from Tirana during a diaspora summit, Sinani said the pressure on Albanians has intensified through what she called systematic institutional and economic discrimination, including administrative measures such as address “passivization,” reduced investment, and barriers affecting local businesses and employment opportunities.
She warned that these policies are contributing to forced migration and long-term demographic change in the region, adding that even obligations such as compulsory military service are being used in ways that further pressure the local Albanian population.
Sinani also highlighted economic challenges, stating that local municipalities face limited funding from central institutions in Serbia and that many development projects submitted to ministries are not approved or implemented. According to her, this has created a widening gap between needs on the ground and state support.
She acknowledged support from Kosovo and Albania in raising awareness internationally about the situation of Albanians in the valley, including diplomatic efforts in Washington and European institutions, but called for stronger coordination and more concrete action.
Sinani further said that although several agreements have been signed in the past between Albanian representatives and Belgrade under international mediation, their implementation has been lacking, and she argued that conditions for Albanians in the region have worsened compared to previous decades.
She also called for greater political unity among Albanians in Serbia ahead of upcoming political developments, stressing the importance of stronger parliamentary representation.
Serbian authorities have repeatedly rejected similar accusations of discrimination, insisting that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
