Sweden’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonas Westerlund, has described the current political blockade caused by the failure to constitute the Assembly and the absence of a legitimate government as a “serious situation.”
“Some things are becoming very difficult. Elections are not only about democracy. They are not only about the electoral process but also about the governance of the state, and this is becoming increasingly difficult,” Westerlund told EO.
He emphasized that the global political climate has been marked by polarization between the left and the right, and many leaders are now reluctant to compromise.
“We are all aware that today in the world there is great polarization between the left and the right. It seems that many leaders want to be 100 percent right, to win everything. But, as you know, in politics, compromises must be made. This is a global phenomenon,” he added.
The ambassador also pointed out Kosovo’s particular vulnerability.
“The problem in Kosovo is that it is a very young state. It is not part of Euro-Atlantic structures, which makes it more sensitive. That’s why Kosovo is currently in a more difficult situation,” said Westerlund.
He also referred to concerns related to the financial instability in the country.
“We heard about difficulties in paying salaries for some journalists at RTK. I saw that the Ombudsperson’s Institution issued a warning yesterday. I believe this endangers the democratic functioning of the state. So I think we are in a serious situation,” Westerlund concluded.
