Amid growing tensions over unpaid salaries and stalled budget approval, employees of Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) staged a protest outside the Assembly of Kosovo on Monday, demanding the immediate allocation of salaries and the approval of the broadcaster’s budget.
The protest was organized by the Independent Trade Union of RTK and the Radio Kosovo Trade Association, joined by numerous staff members frustrated with the prolonged financial impasse that has left them without pay for weeks.
Heated Exchange Between RTK Employee and Speaker Dimal Basha
During the protest, Kosovo Assembly Speaker Dimal Basha engaged in a tense verbal exchange with an RTK employee, who urged lawmakers to boycott their own salaries until RTK staff receive payment.
Basha responded that he had already requested an extraordinary session to move forward with approving the financial report, claiming that some deputies had obstructed the process.
“I want you to receive your salary. I called a meeting of the Presidency and demanded that the Assembly hold an extraordinary session the next day to approve the report and move forward,” Basha said.
When the worker insisted that deputies join their boycott, Basha rejected the analogy, arguing that the responsibility lies with those lawmakers who refuse to vote on the report.
“Your argument would make sense only for deputies who have a mandate and are refusing to approve the report. Those are the ones who should be called to reason,” he replied.
Basha: Approval of the Report Is Key to Payment
Basha emphasized that the only way to release RTK salaries is through formal approval of the broadcaster’s annual report by Parliament.
“We have a functional Assembly. Once commissions are established and the report is approved, the Ministry of Finance can execute the funds. It’s a simple procedure,” he explained.
He added that, once approved, the funds could be allocated the same day, restoring both RTK’s operations and employee pay.
“If we approve the report today, the funds can be released immediately,” Basha assured.
Union Leaders: Negligence Threatens RTK’s Existence
During the rally, Pajazit Krasniqi, head of the Radio Kosovo Trade Union, condemned what he called “unacceptable negligence” by state institutions, warning that the situation endangers both RTK’s functioning and the well-being of its staff.
“Despite the staff’s voluntary commitment, we’ve witnessed an intolerable level of institutional neglect regarding RTK’s budget. This delay threatens the normal operation of the broadcaster, undermines workers’ welfare, and—most importantly—violates the citizens’ right to independent and impartial information,” Krasniqi said.
He emphasized that RTK’s budget is not a privilege or gift, but a legal obligation that must be executed promptly.
“RTK must not be held hostage to political calculations. Its funding is a legal duty, not a favor,” he declared.
Krasniqi urged authorities to release the salaries by the end of the week, warning of larger and louder protests if the demands are ignored.
“If our voices aren’t heard today, tomorrow we’ll be more, stronger, and louder. This is our cause—a cause for a financially stable, independent, and dignified RTK,” he concluded.
Background: RTK’s Financial Crisis Continues
RTK employees had already protested on November 6, 2025, and earlier in August 2025, over the same issue of delayed payments.
The stalemate stems from Parliament’s failure to form the necessary budget commission to review and approve RTK’s financial report.
In August, the caretaker government approved in principle RTK’s request to borrow €2.54 million to maintain liquidity, but the funds remain unavailable until parliamentary approval is granted.
The crisis underscores systemic weaknesses in Kosovo’s public broadcasting governance, raising concerns about media independence, political interference, and sustainability of public institutions.
